From: paul@tct.com (Paul Levin)
Subject: Re: Health Care Coverage
Organization: TC Telemanagement, Clearwater, FL
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 14:44:11 GMT

According to murray@rocky.raleigh.ibm.com (Charlie Murray):
>In article <Bz9CB0.HwC@bcstec.ca.boeing.com>, mtw8527@bcstec.ca.boeing.com (Mike Wallach) writes:
>
>The plan offered by the latest agency to place me was for around $450/month 
> for families.  I'm using the IEEE group health plan which we get for less 
> than $200/month, but it doesn't include preventive care (i.e. if you go to 
> the doctor for a checkup, it's on your nickle).  Based on these differences 
> in rates though, you have about $3,000/year to work with.  So, if you're in 
> good health and don't have kids, you will probably be ok.
>
>While we're on the subject, long term disability insurance should not be 
> overlooked.  If you become injured/ill and can't work, you're in serious 
> trouble if you don't have disability.
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>  Charlie Murray           CompuServe:  73707,1752

(First a side comment to Mr. Murray -- your editor did not put line feeds
into most of your post.  That can make it unreadable to many net users.
I took the liberty of adding them, in the above).

Mr. Murray has mentioned, what I believe, to be the best insurance for
the price -- the IEEE's Comprehensive Health Care Plan.  Of course, you need
to be a member of IEEE, but that's easy, and only about $100/yr.  The 
deductable is higher than most other health care plans, but the rates
are so much less.  The IEEE plan only covers 50% of maturnity, so don't
get pregnent.  My first child cost $14,000 and the second, about $10,000.
I had other coverage, in addition to the IEEE, for these.  You don't want
to pay a $500 deductable, plus $2000 copay, plus another $4000 non-covered
expenses.

An alternative to normal health care insurance is catastrophic coverage.
This is medical insurance with a $1000, 2000, (or more) deductable.  The
rates are (relatively) very low.  Of course your risk is much higher.
Don't go this way if you have kids.  Also make sure you have medical coverage
in your auto policy, if you go this way.

IEEE has a disability plan, but it is not very good.  You want a plan
that will increase it's coverage, with inflation; and with a rehabilitation
program.  I have come to believe that dental insurance doesn't pay.
Just take good care of your teeth.  IEEE's life insurance (term life) is
excellent.

After health, life, disability, auto, and home (or renters); you might want
to look at business liability (very expensive) and a 1 or 2 million dollar
umbrella policy.  By the time you are done, it's about $5000 - 6000 /yr.

I recommend calling every insurance agent and company in your phone book
(or as many as you can stand to talk to).  Get quotes and advise from everyone.
Then make an informed decision.  Also, only go with A or A+ rated insurance
companies.  If you can get a copy of the policy before hand, do so and read it.
Otherwise read every word, when you get the policy.  If you don't like some-
thing, get a different company.  When you disclose your medical history,
tell them EVERYTHING !!!

Remember, a really *great* (low) rate won't help you when you're in the
hospital, and you find out that your insurance company won't pay.
-- 
From:  Paul Levin   paul@count.tct.com   813-532-2239 (work, 9-5 EST)
    --> Jesus loves you, and died for you; thank Him today. <--
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.contract