[Everdeen]

Originally Posted by von949

Tax payers.

There is only a monthly fee for dental. About $40 a month for a family of four.

So, you work for a government agency? So do I and my employer pays the $550 for my premium and I pay $50. Have you ever seen what your agency pays in premiums?

[von949]

Originally Posted by Everdeen

So, you work for a government agency? So do I and my employer pays the $550 for my premium and I pay $50. Have you ever seen what your agency pays in premiums?

Military

We sometimes receive a bill if we see a specialist outside off base or outside of the VA clinic. But we never have to come out of pocket. It is mostly for our personal records. Most times the bill is heavily discounted. For example: Doctor charges $1000 for a band aid. Military will pay average/going rate of $300 for that band aid instead. The doctor has to eat the rest of the $700. The doctor could choose not to accept military members but he/she risks losing the steady high volume of patients that the base brings.

weird system sometimes.

[Everdeen]

Originally Posted by von949

Military

We sometimes receive a bill if we see a specialist outside off base or outside of the VA clinic. But we never have to come out of pocket. It is mostly for our personal records. Most times the bill is heavily discounted. For example: Doctor charges $1000 for a band aid. Military will pay average/going rate of $300 for that band aid instead. The doctor has to eat the rest of the $700. The doctor could choose not to accept military members but he/she risks losing the steady high volume of patients that the base brings.

weird system sometimes.

I get it. The military is kind of an exception since they have there own doctors and what not. I'm sure there is a bean counter somewhere that knows the cost per person, but I've never seen the data.

[topaz420]

Originally Posted by Everdeen

I am assuming that Australia has socialized health care which, of course, is paid by taxes. Have you ever seen a breakdown of the cost per person that the government pays?

I remember reading it once while living there and thinking it was very reasonable - somewhere between 4 and 5k per person? (Averaged across the entire country)

If you make less than 20k/year you pay no health insurance tax, if you earn 20-99k you pay 1%, and 100k and up is 3%

You can also opt-out of the tax at any time by acquiring private medical coverage, which is super cheap ($40 to 80 per person, per month)

The care is provided by both public and private institutions -- it's a beautiful system!

[BBMW]

Anyone buying there own individual policies? If so, how much are you paying?

[irisheyzs]

I'm also curious about individual policies. Until we get situated with jobs that offer benefits, I'm curious which would be cheaper...Cobra or getting our own policy.

[BBMW]

Bump for an answer. Someone has to be buying these.

I know you can get an online quote, which I've done. But I'm a little skeptical of the results. Would like to get some real experiences.

[lvoc]

From prior dealings Cobra is cheaper for the same coverage. YOu are basically comparing a large group purchase to an individual purchase.

Note however if the employer plan has heavy coverage you may do better with a lesser individual plan.

The only real way to get to truth is a broker.

[BBMW]

If I move out there, COBRA will likely not be an option (my ex-employer is in NY, and probably doesn't deal with an insurer out there.) So I'd likely be on my own. So any hint of individual purchase numbers would be welcome.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by BBMW

If I move out there, COBRA will likely not be an option (my ex-employer is in NY, and probably doesn't deal with an insurer out there.) So I'd likely be on my own. So any hint of individual purchase numbers would be welcome.

The exchange is going to open on October of this year. This is going to be your best bet.

Nevada clears hurdle in implementing health exchange system - Las Vegas Sun News