Health Care

[Veriest1]

And no this isn't a political thread so please don't turn it into one. Rather, it's a thread where, hopefully, some of you older and/or wiser guys (and gals!) can offer up some first hand experience. Now, on with the thread.

My wife and I have been shopping for health care for her, specifically maternity care, and we're coming up way short on options. So far we've only found one provider that's even offering maternity care in Texas these days and they're asking around $350 a month for it.

What are you people doing that plan on having a kid in the next 2 years? Or those of you with kids, any advice on this topic? According to my wife and mother-in-law it shouldn't be this hard to find. Are we doing it wrong?

My dad and I are in business together on the side so we may be able to come up with something through that. I haven't looked into it much yet (just thought about this actually and ran a quick google search) but I'm doubtful there is much out there for a 2 man operation that would offer much in the way of discounts. Besides, the business would have to pay for whatever discount we'd get so it's probably a wash unless there's a great tax break. Are there any entrepreneurs in the audience that want to chime in?

And before anyone asks:1) No, it isn't available through my current employer. 2) Medicaid isn't an option. I can't stand the idea of handouts and I'm pretty sure our yearly income is over their requirements anyway.

[4cefed]

2) Medicaid isn't an option. I can't stand the idea of handouts

Handouts? See that category for Medicaid on your paycheck? You are paying for it already.

I think you are in that region where you make too much to qualify for help, and not enough to pay for what you need. Does the state of Texas have coverage options?

Bad example, but my girlfriend (now wife) qualified for medicaid when she was pregnant. Our daughter was born two and a half months early and was in intensive care for a month. The bill would have been $180,000. I actually wish I could pay more tax out of my check toward medicaid now. I donate a bit to the hospital every year, but if I had to foot the bill myself I would be in indentured servitude my whole life.

My advice it to get on it and get help where ever you can, you don't know what the future holds.

[Veriest1]

Handouts? See that category for Medicaid on your paycheck? You are paying for it already.

I think you are in that region where you make too much to qualify for help, and not enough to pay for what you need. Does the state of Texas have coverage options?

Yeah, I know I'm paying for it. I don't think I should be either but that's another thread.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your second statement. Texas has some things available. Still wading through that.

[hannibal]

Just thought I'd point out that income limits for pregnant women are higher than 'normal'. Say the limit in TX for medicare is 120% of poverty limit. Its maybe 200% for pregnant women to allow better access to prenatal care.

[Urabus GodofTraction]

Can you get into a HSA?

[Veriest1]

You guys deliver. I made no headway on this today as life had to be taken care of and I was awake for way to long.

I was unaware of a limit increase for pregnant women in some states.

An HSA is a possibility since we don't have insurance on her at all right now thanks to Unicare pulling out of Texas at the end of last year. We'd just have to select a plan where HSA would be option.