Ask Slashdot: IT Contractors, How's Your Health Insurance?

An anonymous reader writes "In the tech industry, as the economy continues its downturn, IT folks in my circles who were either laid off or let go are turning to contract work to pay their bills. Layoffs and a decline in tech jobs has affected older IT workers the most. Many of us find it more lucrative and enjoyable in the long run and leave the world of cubicles forever. However, there is much to be said for working for a large company or corporation, and health insurance is one of the benefits we value most. But what happens to those who find themselves in this position at mid-career or later in life? Hopefully they have accumulated enough savings or have enough money in an HSA to survive a major medical emergency. Unfortunately, many do not and some find themselves in dire straits with their lives depending on others for help. I have been working IT contracts mostly now for the past 11 years and I've done very well. I belong to a group insurance plan and the coverage is decent, but as I get older, premiums and copays go up and coverage goes down. If you work contracts exclusively, what do you think is the best plan for insurance? Any preferences?"

Comments

Any preferences?

[turbidostato]

Yeah, of course: moving to a country with a civilized public health system. Each and every first world country but USA, that is.

Re:Best Preference

[cayenne8]

Perhaps the level of care could be seen as a privilege but basic health care is a right,

You do have a right to access to health care....you do not have the right to have me or anyone else PAY for it for you....