Health insurance for families

NedRN · May 8, 2015

You would do best to COBRA your existing insurance for three months a year. Expensive yes, but effectively it comes out of your pay anyway.

MiaLyse, APRN · May 8, 2015

I don't think I could do that as I am the carrier of the insurance for the family. If I leave the job, I don't have the insurance

NedRN · May 8, 2015

If your employer has more than 20 employees you have the right to extend your current insurance for up to 18 months. Google COBRA. Your post appeared to say you only were going to travel three months a year.

MiaLyse, APRN · May 9, 2015

Yes, I would like to work here and travel for 3-4 months during the colder months. I just can't figure out how to keep the health insurance for family this way.

NedRN · May 9, 2015

Seriously? No hints at all on how to do that?

Argo · May 9, 2015

If your employer has more than 20 employees you have the right to extend your current insurance for up to 18 months. Google COBRA. Your post appeared to say you only were going to travel three months a year.

This is how you figure it out... Ned told you already.

If you work for someplace that doesn't have the right amount of employees, call your local insurance agent. Private policies are less expensive than you think, depending on where you live of course.

Crazynut · May 25, 2015

Who can afford COBRA for a family? I don't even want to know how much it will cost! My brain can't handle that many zeros. How big is your family? How old are your children? You may consider getting a cheaper catastrophic plan. And just hope no one gets sick during those 3 months.

Crazynut · May 25, 2015

Cobra is too expensive for most people to afford. OP is trying to find solutions to a ticky problem. No need to be rude!

BD-RN, BSN, RN · May 26, 2015

Does your travel company not cover families? Travel insurance isn't always the best but it covered the basics for me (including one trip to an urgent care), and certainly has more coverage than a catastrophic plan.

According to healthcare.gov, you have to be under 30 and prove hardship to purchase a catastrophic plan. Sounds like it doesn't meet the requirements under the ACA and you might have to pay a penalty.

Michi66 · Jun 4, 2015

my first agency offered great and affordable insurance for my husband and I. My second agency's plan is outrageously expensive so I bought still pretty expensive private insurance that's crappy. If good insurance is important to you just ask the recruiter about the benefit plans, cost, pay WITH company insurance. They should have all this info at their fingertips. Then you can compare and pick the agency that offers the best!

emomshart · Jun 8, 2015

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers Florida has a seasonal nurse program. You work there 6 months full time, take 6 months leave. You get full-time benefits all year round. While on leave, you keep your health insurance by paying your portion monthly. I have family coverage including eye and dental for 280/month, year round.