Posted by TnNotary on 1/30/06 12:17pm
Msg #92336

Health Insurance

I am in need of health insurance for the self-employed. Any suggestions? I am live in TN.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/30/06 12:30pm
Msg #92346

Re: Health Insurance, that's a tough one

Blue Cross seems to be about the most cost effective. If it wasn't for the rates negotiated by the National Association of Realtors and the California Association of Realtors I probably couldn't comfortably afford health insurance (another reason for notaries to start a professional assoc). As it is even with excellent rates my health insurance is the single costliest item I have to pay as a self-employed person. Good luck,

Reply by TnNotary on 1/30/06 12:32pm
Msg #92347

Re: Health Insurance, that's a tough one

Thank you, I will check them out.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/30/06 12:37pm
Msg #92351

www.healthcareshopper.com

Reply by Roger_OH on 1/30/06 12:57pm
Msg #92359

You might check out your local chamber of commerce. They often provide a group health plan for their members, who are usually other small business owners. Another benefit of membership is the networking with other local businesses and being listed in their chamber business directory. Your membership dues would be deductible as a business expense as well.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 1/30/06 1:28pm
Msg #92377

I got mine through NASE (National association of the self employed) and it is Mega Life. You do not need to belong to NASE to get it thought ( There was a lawsuit in there somewhere because the dues for membership were drawn at the same time as the Insurance from the bank accts of the subscribers). I do not belong to NASE anymore but still get their magazines.

Reply by Mike_AZ on 1/30/06 8:30pm
Msg #92470

VERY tough problem.

Ask your local county's Dept of Health for advice. If you are lower-middle-income, they may have resources.

I have been considering staring a non-profit corp with the sole purpose of getting true group rate heath ins for members. Dues would be tiny.

Good luck!

Reply by Brijoe_WA on 1/30/06 9:44pm
Msg #92498

Ours is through our state funded Helath Insurance. You have to qualify by showing your income at a certain level depending on the size family. For example we have a family of 5 so our income can not be more than around$3500 per month or we dont qualify. Being self employed in our corporation, we pay ourselves that amount per month. We actually make more per month, put anything above $3500 we pay to ourselves rent for office space in our home, mileage, etc because thats not considered actual income on paper.

Reply by newlysmomva on 1/31/06 8:10am
Msg #92533

Re: Health Insurance-HSA

If you get a high deductible policy, you can put that amount tax-free into a Health Savings Account every year and use it tax free for medical expenses.