I was reading an article this past weekend which highlighted a self-employed couple who owned a small restaurant in southern Virginia. They were quoted as saying they pay over $2000/month for health insurance. The couple is "stuck" in the age of being too young to retire, but too old to be easily employable since both have manufacturing backgrounds.
That got me to thinking about other options. First off, there's the option of going to work for a large employer (such as Walmart) that offers a good, low cost health care plan for all employees. I suppose the ugly blue vest is a small price to pay for great health insurance.
There's also the option of going back to school. Almost all colleges offer an affordable, a group health insurance plan. In addition, many colleges have their own health care clinic open to students which is paid for through tuition and fees. Yes, college can be expensive, but many state schools are pretty affordable and you only need enroll in one course to qualify for the health insurance. Keep in mind that many students qualify for the federal student loan program and older students may qualify for other financial benefits. In addition, most colleges also have other benefits included in the student fees such as use of the workout facilities, gym classes and the like.
For an example of the health insurance benefits, here is a link to GM-Southwest, which provides coverage for many colleges.
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Tina Merritt and Assoc. can be reached at email: tina@tinamerritt.com or 757-287-6338.
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Tina,
Great post never considered college for health insurance but it makes sense. If you take only one class and are covered it will cost anywhere between $300 and $1000 for the semester not per month. Plus you get some education out of it.
Take a looking at these links if you are looking for free health insurance quotes or health insurance information.
There are always options but having access to them in your area and in close proximity are limited at times. This is a good way to put everything in prospective. Just when you think there are no other options - you just have to get creative. Thanks for the thought.
Jody - yes, you are correct. There are also reputable colleges offering online courses and students can qualify for benefits when enrolled online as well.
Joseph - i think going to college makes one feel young as well!
Good excuse to go back to school. I can see that being an option for some!
Good post, and I am a student so I may have to check into this.
Health insurance costs can be oppressive for the self-employed. By the time you get done paying premiums, deductibles, and co-pays it can easily get over a thousand dollars a month for a family. Thing is when I was in college I felt indestructible and didn't even think about health insurance.