Your scenario is exactly why I started this thread in the first place. Why is there so few, if any, catastrophic options? I know there are diseases that are a nightmare to treat and cost a fortune. I would love to purchase a policy that just covered that kind of thing and let me fend for myself with the year-in-year out medical, dental, and vision expenses. But there wasn’t any catastrophic policies like that in my area. My option is to pay tens of thousands annually on insurance premiums, high deductibles, medicare taxes, co-pays and prescriptions every year of my working life. They get to pick what they will cover and who you will see. Also don’t get sick near the end of the year otherwise your deductible and max out of pocket will re-set and you’ll have to keep paying the following year. And if you don’t get a plan, someday you might get a rare and horribly expensive disease that will ruin you financially (sometimes it still does, even with health coverage). It’s just such a stupid and corrupt system in my opinion.
I think we’re actually the product, our money is the product. The executives are the customers.
Still waiting for my $2,500 savings on health care premiums…
Put Clark in charge of health care!!!
Like all things in the government it was designed by insurance companies, by insurance companies. Government has been captured. Both parties.
There’s 7 lobbyists in the health industry for every single member of congress. It will never get fixed regardless of which “team” is in charge.
You recognize the problem and have examined the options, but I do not think that you are making the appropriate decision. As Rjratnip commented “you certainly don’t want to go without any coverage as a major issue could be hundreds of thousands of dollars out of pocket and make the $12,750 look like peanuts.” Similar to other risk management issues (disability insurance, term life insurance), the solution is getting coverage for possible catastrophic events.
I am not sure that this is a good idea but perhaps you can hire a Patient Advocate for an hour or two to get more knowledgeable about the limitations of negotiating hospital bills.
Take a look at Blue Cross “Access Plans”. These are not ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans, rather are private plans through Blue Cross. There’s a plan that provides catastrophic coverage.
They don’t offer access plans in my state.
Suggestion: Google Blue Cross (your state), then see if there’s a private plan that is consistent with a catastrophic plan. Another thought, reach out to an insurance broker in your area. They can access catastrophic plans available in your area. Best to you!
I understand your frustration. Consider a high-deductible health plan paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) for tax benefits and savings. Catastrophic insurance can also help with major expenses while leaving routine care to you. Also consider to hire an injury lawyer to know your rights in such situations. Explore different plans for better options.