Health Insurance in the Expedited Game

DreamTeam44 · Jan 25, 2008

As some of you have noticed we are in the middle of a 3 week break from current lease trying to determine what Expedited company to lease with, assuming we make the leap from our current average of 86 cents a mile @ 6000 miles WK dedicated routes. One of our tasks is to include all of our costs in order to compare a potential new lease deal. We currently pay $172 each ($344 combined)for BCBS of Nebraska , it's a Major Medical plan with an unlimited maximum amount of coverage, this plan includes dental & vision coverage, if we leave R current company the Cobra cost to continue this plan for a maximum of 18 months will be $309 per or $618 per month combined.
For example the Panther lease offers a company negotiated rate through NAWPP (National Association of Workplace Programs), but that is a limited coverage in $'s amount per health issue vs. percentage of cost of the health service rendered, that Panther rate through Trans-America cost for a Husband & Spouse is $344 per month paid directly to Trans-America Plus with limited maximum coverage.
I am curious what some of you experienced expediters are doing for health insurance, have you found that a health insurance broker has helped?, Cobra from last company?, or just take what the company offers if any?, or NO health Insurance?
Along with health, dental, & vision we currently have but don't use that much is not all that is concerning our decision, though we are close to making a choice, but we have much more brainiac work to do, knowing we currently pull 35-46k loads at the .86 cents per mile is low, but we have to include what our costs will be with whomever we lease to....Example: Current lease our plates. 48 state authority, pre-pass plus, EZ`P**** all permits, all tolls, national avg. FSC, are taken care of by company.......we are comparing, anaylyzing, and basically going cwazzy as we head into the weekend, is there an Expedited ANGEL you could send to help us make a decision ....NEED TO MAKE A drop dead decision by next Wednesday......we will be calculating crazed and confuded this weekend and beyond......THANKS for all your great insight so far!!!!

LDB · Jan 25, 2008

I have my own BCBS plan. If you cover both of you for $344 with BCBS I'd stick with that. Good luck with your guzintas.

ebsprintin · Jan 25, 2008

I have no insurance. The major companies will not cover me. Still looking for something. I had BCBS previously when I was self employed. It was a strong policy. Had employers insurance and when I transferred back to being an independent--no more coverage. If you have a good coverage that carries over I would suggest sticking with it until all your other new business things settle out. If you have coverage now, you can always switch at a later date, but don't switch until you are lined up with someone new.

eb

ladygrumpy · Jan 29, 2008

Have you checked with OOIDA? They have several health insurance plans and will be happy to send you info on them. Insurance in the expedited business is a situation that needs attention, because many
of us have problems securing the insurance we need. Good luck in your search.

DreamTeam44 · Jan 29, 2008

Thanks for the reply's, we just joined OOIDA today, we have made 50% of our decision in that we are opting out of our current carrier lease, we will at the least retain our current BCBS unlimited medical / Dental / vision plan via Cobra, as we continue to investigate a small business plan through our corp.,a small biz plan is allowed for small company with as few as 2 employees as our team makes that work. The other 50% of our decision as to who we will lease with is still being pondered, we have it narrowed but the trigger has not been pulled- we have set a Friday Feb. 1st, 2008 deadline...OH MY! That is only 3 days away......guess we need to post more subjects and get all your input while we can!!!!! You all have been great here, thanks for what you have taught us so far.

greywolf184 · Jan 30, 2008

I also have no health insurance, and have been checking companies and coverages. Any help would be appreciated.

nightcreacher · Jan 30, 2008

i believe oiida has a company with open inrollment once a year,but the cost is really high

lostandfound · Feb 8, 2008

the OOIDA enrollment is going on right now till 03-31-08,they sent me info.on it a couple weeks ago,yes it is kinda pricy good luck.

Dynamite 1 · Feb 10, 2008

we have just purchased a plan through mega health ins. we feel for what we need we purchased a really good plan. the plan comes w/lots of options and lots of perks like a occupational health policy and a life ins. policy built in w/the plan plus several other perks that i wont go into not wanting to drag on. the plan is offered by mega through n.a.s.e. or the national association of self employed. they have agents all over the country that will come to you to discuss your needs. just a few notes that are important, no network for doctors you have to use or hospitals. emergencies are treated as such. just way to much info to post but we feel they are worth the call. you can get to them at their toll free phone # 800-527-5504.and they will help you out. last note for reference my wife and i are 43 and 45 both smokers and have almost all of what they offer and our premiums are 410.00 per mo. now some will say that sound average but when you figure that most personal ins plans dont cover you at work or that you need a oc health plan also, it make this very affordable. just our opinion on the plan but please look into them as we know how bad the market is for insurance. hope it helps. T N T.

TeamCaffee · Feb 10, 2008

ATBS has also started a new health plan you might want to compare prices with. I believe the plan they have started will be a high deductable with an HSA. I do not think you have to be with ATBS to get the health coverage.
You can call 877 949 8447 8 to 8 eastern Monday thru Friday.

LDB · Feb 10, 2008

I found my BCBS plan through ehealthinsurance.com. They take general info and demographics from you and give many options of plans and companies. I chose one with fairly high deductible to keep the premium lower. I can manage paying out of pocket for getting sick once in a while but I can't manage cancer or bypass surgery without the insurance so I chose based on that.

greg334 · Feb 10, 2008

You know I got to caution people when the subject of Health Insurance comes up.

There are a lot of plans out there that can 'cover' you but in truth you have to know what the doctors, hospitals and pharmacies will accept.

AND

I would be careful to just look at price when determining health care coverage because the hassle you go through getting claims straightened out may cost you more time than it is worth. See how they work out disputes, don't be afraid to ask questions but I do recommend BCBS above all.

I have had two situations where a doctor and hospital would not accept my insurance and this is why today I have BCBS.

OntarioVanMan · Feb 10, 2008

anyone have the URL for BCBS??

greg334 · Feb 10, 2008

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association - Better knowledge for healthier lives

Rocketman · Feb 10, 2008

https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/Alliance?allid=Mic17852

This is another website where you can compare rates, but I don't suggest using them for a policy. If you can find a local agent, get the policy through them. You'll find that it is faster, the same price and you have someone to talk to if you need changes etc.

OntarioVanMan · Feb 10, 2008

South Dakota is one of them states at the bottom of an advertizement in the small print that they don't cover because of state law.....once a policy is issued it can't be cancelled because you have a heart attack.

RichM · Feb 10, 2008

I didn't see you mention your age. That and that alone will disqualify you from many insurance plans. Health Insurance Companis are vicious and when you hit a certain age the most minor pre existing condition will disqualify you. If you are 30,non smoker with good numbers they will welcome you with open arms, if you are past 50 forget it.

OntarioVanMan · Feb 10, 2008

I got one quote for 2600 dollars a quarter for both Judy and I with a $5,000 deductable for each person...is that good????

highway star · Feb 10, 2008

I would strongly recommend BCBS. Having something that is recognized everywhere could be great peace of mind if you end up in an emergency room 1,200 miles from home. I'd rather have my BCBS card than something like "Zeke's Gettin Sick Card".