Have you actually used the plan? Do they pay? And how long have you been with them? People seem to have a love-hate relationship with them; either they think it's the best deal they've ever seen, or the biggest ripoff. I keep hearing about big premium increases, too, even though they claim that won't happen. Scary stuff.
I'm very hesitant to go with this plan, because once you go off your COBRA coverage you can't go back. But I haven't seen any other plans that I would consider going with, so I'm tempted nonetheless. I guess I still want to believe there are good deals out there, even when logic tells me I should know better...
Unfortunately, according to their website you have to have been a member for two years before you're eligible for the health plan. Makes sense, I guess, if they don't want people joining just for the insurance.
I see someone posted a positive comment about the NASE (National Association for the Self Employed). This is particularly timely because I just spent an hour on the phone listening to their insurance rep go on about how great their plan is. Frankly, it sounded too good to be true, so I'm out roaming the ol' Information Superhighway looking for more info.
Supposedly, this plan is like a traditional indemnity plan in that there is no managed aspect whatsoever. You can go to any doctor, any where, and they will pay the entire bill. No negotiated rates. You pay a copay for each procedure, none of this percentage stuff. The agent made it sound just about perfect; they pay whatever the doctor bills for whatever you want to have done, no questions asked. I suppose there are probably limits on cosmetic surgery and such but none of this fighting with the administrators to get medically necessary care approved.
There were a few twists I didn't quite follow; something about a deductible per injury or illness, but then there was something else that covers that, and a really funky provision where you pay a little more each month, but when you reach 65 you get all the premiums you ever paid back. Huh? I suppose that assumes that you stay in their plan until age 65, and what are the odds of that...
So, anyone care to comment on experiences, good or bad? Is it really as good as it sounds? I'm very skeptical, especially since they don't have an info packet they can mail you; they send an agent to your home instead. But if it really is a good deal then I'm all for it.
Oh yea, the plan is underwritten by Mega Life and Health. They do the student health insurance at most universities, and they seem to have some traditional plans for small businesses as well. So far I haven't found much in the way of user feedback on them out there, which is why I'm asking here. The plan they offer through NASE seems to be different from all their other offerings, anyway.
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Have you actually used the plan? Do they pay? And how long have you been with them? People seem to have a love-hate relationship with them; either they think it's the best deal they've ever seen, or the biggest ripoff. I keep hearing about big premium increases, too, even though they claim that won't happen. Scary stuff.
I'm very hesitant to go with this plan, because once you go off your COBRA coverage you can't go back. But I haven't seen any other plans that I would consider going with, so I'm tempted nonetheless. I guess I still want to believe there are good deals out there, even when logic tells me I should know better...
Unfortunately, according to their website you have to have been a member for two years before you're eligible for the health plan. Makes sense, I guess, if they don't want people joining just for the insurance.
Supposedly, this plan is like a traditional indemnity plan in that there is no managed aspect whatsoever. You can go to any doctor, any where, and they will pay the entire bill. No negotiated rates. You pay a copay for each procedure, none of this percentage stuff. The agent made it sound just about perfect; they pay whatever the doctor bills for whatever you want to have done, no questions asked. I suppose there are probably limits on cosmetic surgery and such but none of this fighting with the administrators to get medically necessary care approved.
There were a few twists I didn't quite follow; something about a deductible per injury or illness, but then there was something else that covers that, and a really funky provision where you pay a little more each month, but when you reach 65 you get all the premiums you ever paid back. Huh? I suppose that assumes that you stay in their plan until age 65, and what are the odds of that...
So, anyone care to comment on experiences, good or bad? Is it really as good as it sounds? I'm very skeptical, especially since they don't have an info packet they can mail you; they send an agent to your home instead. But if it really is a good deal then I'm all for it.
Oh yea, the plan is underwritten by Mega Life and Health. They do the student health insurance at most universities, and they seem to have some traditional plans for small businesses as well. So far I haven't found much in the way of user feedback on them out there, which is why I'm asking here. The plan they offer through NASE seems to be different from all their other offerings, anyway.