...since every other country in the world seems to do a much better job of taking care of their citizens than we do.

I prefer to take care of myself. I don't want the federal government to do it. Private health insurance these days offers many options. Or consider a combination of private choice and government tax assistance via a HSA (Health Savings Account) - the funds contributed to a HSA account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. I'm not naive enough to forego government help with taxes (my money anyway) as health insurance is costly but I don't think it should be free.

I'm curious as to what full-timers do for health insurance for those that aren't on a spouse's health plan?  I suppose this mainly applies to Americans since every other country in the world seems to do a much better job of taking care of their citizens than we do. 

Am mulling going full time within the next 1-2 years, but this is a big sticking point for me since it would cost me a fortune to insure myself privately.

You go out an buy it.  Start shopping for private insurance plans.  I go through Anthem/BCBS currently.  It's awesome how they raise the premium each year.

Costs a lot here in South Africa too. Curious to compare. I'm paying about $600 a month for me and three dependants, on the most basic plan where the insurance cover is partial for most things and 100% only if you're leaking blood copiously on the hospital floor (I exaggerate, but not much).

You go out an buy it.  Start shopping for private insurance plans.  I go through Anthem/BCBS currently.  It's awesome how they raise the premium each year.

We have insurance through my husband's teaching job, and they raise it every year too.  Starting this month we are now paying $800/month to insure three (relatively) healthy people, and that's over and above the part the school board pays for us.  We still have copays with that too.

Our freemarket economy at work.  Ain't it grand?  

My husband's insurance covers us (me and 2 kids) at relatively modest extra monthly cost. We're very fortunate to have access to a great plan at a reasonable price. If one could buy privately (in the US) on the same terms offered to groups (no exclusions for pre-existing conditions and no cancelling you if you get sick) it would be a huge improvement for those who want to leave the 40 hours a week job market for consulting, multiple part time gigs, etc.

Quote from: Elenathewise on September 14, 2011, 09:31

Move to Canada... It's cheaper here

Don't think we haven't thought of it.  Although I can do microstock anywhere, my hubby's teaching job is local. 

But the big reason is that we are cowards.  Been enjoying Florida sunshine and warm weather for too many decades to try and adjust to Canadian winters....Brrrrr!!

Toronto is not bad, just a couple of months of snowy weather, all you need is a good parka:) I lived in Edmonton for 4 years, now that was something - eyelashes freezing together, and you need to plug in your car in the winter or it won't start. Vancouver is even milder than Toronto - and scenic, too, mountains and ocean... I don't think it snows there often...  And we have free basic medical! 

I've looked into Canada's immigration policy. They won't take just anyone, and a medical exam is part of the application process. This would probably disqualify me & my husband Howard because he's seriously ill. I imagine they want to weed out Americans who are looking to emigrate in the hope of getting free health care. I lost my insurance when Howard's COBRA ran out, he'll qualify for Medicare in Sept 2012 since he's he's on permanent disability - in the meantime I'm paying $1000 a month just for Howard. His medical bills are so high that the alternative would be financial Armageddon. I'm hoping I can afford coverage for myself when Obama's health care reform law goes into effect.  Hopefully the republicans won't kill it first.

Quote

but I don't think it should be free.

You don't think healthcare should be free? Why is that? I'd consider it a basic right, along with education. But of course we're all commies here in Europeland ;-)

Actually I think it is an even more basic right then education. Not all of us have kids, we all need to be healthy.
(Don't get me wrong I do think education should be free as well)

Quote

but I don't think it should be free.

You don't think healthcare should be free? Why is that? I'd consider it a basic right, along with education. But of course we're all commies here in Europeland ;-)

It does make you wonder about the LIFE part in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I don't mind paying for my health care. I just wish it was a little more reasonably priced and a lot less corrupt.

I'm absolutely astonished to read how much folk are paying for medical insurance. For a family of 4 it's more than I pay in income tax, national insurance and property tax combined.

But on the other hand, you aren't paying for layers and layers of insurance company bureaucracy.  Not to mention sheer greed.  Healthcare in the US is a for profit industry, not a civil right. 

national health here in Europe is one of the few public things that no government - left or right wing - ever tried to privatise; and average level is good, so we're lucky in that sense

Quote

but I don't think it should be free.

You don't think healthcare should be free? Why is that? I'd consider it a basic right, along with education. But of course we're all commies here in Europeland ;-)

Agreed, but health care in Europe and elsewhere in the world is not free. It is paid for through taxes. Unless you are poor, of course. I wish everybody would stop saying it is free. It seems that it may be cheaper and more reliable than the private insurance companies we Americans use, though.