A good place to get quick information about such clinics is your state’s DHHR website (or your county’s, if they have one – but most state’s do, I think, so you may want to start there, first). These websites usually list such information, and you can even find contact information for your county’s office, etc. to get further help.

You mentioned that you’re healthy, and it just didn’t make financial sense for you to pay for health insurance right now. I was just having a conversation with someone about the exact thing yesterday. I know that health insurance is seriously important – especially in the event of unforeseen health emergencies – but if I were to purchase a private policy right now, I’d be paying WAY MORE each year in health insurance costs than I pay right now (out-of-pocket) for health care – this would be true even if I went to doctors in private practices or hospitals and paid for them out of pocket. I pray that I don’t become seriously ill or injured, because right now, it’s just not financially beneficial for me to have health insurance.

I am one of those 25 million who are under- or uninsured. After I got divorced, I simply couldn’t afford it–not even the COBRA. That was a nearly $500/mo. expense. And I’m healthy. It didn’t make sense for me to pay that price. I understand the benefits of health insurance. I’d love to have it for the big things that might creep up. And I do worry that I don’t. I’ve started to shop around for it again. But I, too, freelance. I’m single, as an a self-employed, I’m the only income-earner in my family. Thank goodness it’s just me here at home.

I’ll look into those clinics someone above mentioned, though, because I haven’t tried that. I still go to my own doctor if I get a cold or for my annual check up. And that’s not cheap. I know, if I went to school to take some classes I could get on the school’s program. So I’ve thought about looking into that as well.

But this is a terrible dilemma that we face here in the U.S. I wish the government would figure something out…and soon. But I’m not too hopeful about that.

But just think about those $25 million. It shouldn’t cost so much. There should be a lower-cost insurance program out there. Why are insurance companies willing to lose out on this? Why are doctors? Why is the government? Even each of those people had to pay only $100 each month–which should be an affordable number to most–that’s $250 million thrown away. Maybe it’s not, but it sounds like a lot of money to me.

My guess is that, for me, it may just be time to get a second job.

Thanks for providing a place to think about this.

All my best,
Jackie

Employees who were enrolled in their employer’s group health plan will normally be offered COBRA when they leave. COBRA is the extension of the health benefits they received from their former employer. COBRA is a valuable option for many (especially those who have pre-existing health conditions), but the premiums can be very expensive – often more than employees can afford. However, many people who have had group health coverage may not know much about their other health insurance options.

These people can often save money by researching the COBRA-alternative individual plans that may be available to them and their family members. eHealthInsurance (where I work) has two websites to help people who are considering COBRA: http://www.COBRALearning.com, where people can learn about COBRA and alternatives to COBRA, and http://www.eHealthCOBRA.com, where people can research, compare and apply online for individual or family plan health insurance plans.

Employees can also contact a local broker or any health insurance company to learn about their options. The most important thing is to keep your health insurance coverage – no matter how you go about it!

Amir M. licensed agent.

Good luck to you and your husband, I hope you get coverage soon!

Best of luck to you and your hubby Kristen. I know this is a tough issue

Health insurance is such a tough subject to handle. Being Canadian I do not have to worry as much, however, the wait times are obscenely high. A mix between the two systems I think would yield the best results, with free healthcare but the option for private as a faster/”better?” alternative.