I was wondering if anyone would mind sharing some advice about what Medical Insurance you currently have for your family. My husband just switched jobs and we just discovered that Kaiser will be an additional $300 per month for the companies group coverage for the family rate! So, that's over $700 with him covered 85%. It's way too expensive and I need to source some alternative medical and probably leave Kaiser altogether. Please, any adive would be so very appreciated!

When I needed health insurance last year I checked around with the big companies like BC/BS but then also checked with an independent insurance agency. They were able to get me the best deal since they work with several companies. I set up a high deductible health insurance policy and then was able to set up an (HSA) Health Savings Account at a local bank. The $$ I deposit in the HSA is tax deductible - regardless of whether you itemize - and is my money forever to use for the deductibles, co insurance, etc. The fees are kind of high at first until you get a good amount in there and then mine pays a great interest rate. The health insurance thing is so complicated so do lots of looking around and ask lots of questions. BTW - around here, $700 for a family policy is pretty reasonable.

Lou

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Better to give your kids the values you have
than the valuables you can't afford.

Well, in my quest for insurance the big guys were the most expensive. However, Blue Cross/Blue Shield (in my area) is great. I would check them first, as they are trying to bring down costs for middle income families.

My advice is although high deductible plans are tempting - only get a deductible that you can afford to pay out of pocket. You save money, month by month, when you choose a high deductible plan but when you actually need to use it then you get stuck with paying the deductible - plus the premium for the month.

As Lou mentioned, HSA's are good solutions if you don't mind dealing with a third party regarding health care issues. They are tax-free withdrawl...however, some of them you lose the money at the end of the year (not all...Lou mentioned that she doesn't lose hers).

Anyways, the best place to start is Ehealthinsurance.com - it has all the big names and you can figure out if you can go through any of them. Then start googling "Health Insurance" and your area to see if you have local companies that are cheaper. You can get a really good insurance plan for your kids, and then a higher deductible for you and your DH.

Good luck, 700 is reasonable for a family rate in regard to the market. However, in reality, not so much.