AboutMichael Higgins Expertise All questions pertaining to health insurance, whether group, individual/family, student, child-only, COBRA, HIPAA, Portability, dental. No expert knowledge in areas such as life insurance, disability, workman's compensation, auto, etc.
Experience 27 years as owner of health insurance agency, primarily dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Education/Credentials College, Business Administration.
Question My company has health care, I became eligible to be covered two months ago, and it was stated at no cost to me, I had co pay for say Hospital, office visit, Specialist etc, which was fine by me,
then yesterday the boss shows up at work with memo's for all employees, to state that with the rising cost of health insurance, we have to now pay $50 a week per week for our health insurance or we if we do not agree we will be removed from the policy,
there is no way I can afford $50 per week out of my wage check, i can actually find cheaper health insurance on line, which right now i cannot afford either, with me being the sole wage earner,
I happened to get ill 3 weeks ago which involved a load of tests to determine what the problem was, and get the situation resolved, but now having to pay $50 per week plus any co pay that is normal with insurance is now out of my range, which leaves me with my tests results, only to find out that i can not afford the treatment, as i cannot afford the $50 per week, which also leaves me unable to afford the medication that the specialist put me on without insurance,
Can my employer suddenly tell us we now have to pay for our insurance, my co worker signed the insurance just three days ago which also said at no cost to her now she also finds herself having to pay $50 per week or just plain simply refuse and have no coverage,
I would really appreciate a reply as i do not know how to continue treatment,
what do i do just go home and wait until i get so bad that i am in the emergency room with no means of being able to pay
or pay the $50 a week insurance and not be able to pay the co pay, or pay my bills I am in a catch 22,
Answer Hello Christina:
I can hear the frustration in your words and I do empathize.
For clarification, did you ever enroll in the health insurance plan offered through your employer, and are you still insured? Who is covered, just you, or is there a spouse and children covered as well?
$200 a month isn't too bad a price actually, but it's about $199 too much if you can't afford it I understand. The employer most likely must pay at least 50% of the employee premium rate to qualify for purchasing the group plan. $200 a month for the employee rate is low, which tells me the employer is picking up some of the cost. The employer has every right to charge the employee for a portion of the premium. They also have the right to drop coverage all together. My guess is that your company is in survival mode, it's tough out there as you know. My suggestion is to do everything humanly possible to pay the $50 a week if you are still insured. There are programs that may assist you with the medications. It will be very important that all involved know exactly what you are going through financially. Let your boss know, your doctor, everyone. Things tend to work out when everyone is on the same page. I'll point you in the right direction once I know more about your current situation, whether insured or not, etc. The more information the better. Name of insurance company, type of coverage, who's insured, deductibles, etc.
Thank you.
Michael Higgins
Michael Higgins Insurance, LLC.
www.higginscompanies.com
602.405.8769
877.619.8621 toll free/and fax
