Medical Insurance

[DryRun]

Greetings from the Garden State, where Blue Cross/Shield has just hit me with a 35% rate increase on my MSA (Medical Savings Account) health insurance premium. This pretty much negates any tax advantage for this type of program. In NJ, you are charged the same rate as everyone in the state (by law) no matter your health or age status.

I'd be interested in hearing of any competitively priced health insurance programs out there, and experience with service and claims with these programs. I'm single, 50 years old, and good health (so far!), contracting to FedExCC with a B-Unit. I'm thinking there must be some plans for Owner-Operators at a group rate, or with a membership to related organizations.

Thanks!

 

[Sparky]

I am 54 years old and live in NY state. I have my MSA major hospital coverage with Mutual of Omaha. I pay $79/mo for the coverage, but have never had a claim. The maximum lifetime payout limit is $2,000,000 for the policy.

 

[DryRun]

Thanks for the quick reply, Sparky. I checked the Mutual of Omaha site, and at least according to that source, their services are not offered in NJ. It's unfortunate, since the BC/BS premium here for the $2500 deductible will be $375/mo on the MSA. NJ mandates a "Community Rate" policy, meaning ONE for ALL, no matter history or age.

I feel like moving out of state!

Regards
DR

 

[Sparky]

I live in the Rochester, NY area and we also have community pricing. I was in a Blue Cross HMO and only paid $165/mo. for single coverage. You must have a lot of sick people in NJ and you are helping to pay their bills!

The Owner Operator Driver Association has medical plans but none fit the requirements for MSA. However they do have some high deductable plans that were reasonable. If you are an O/O check out their web site - OOIDA.com.