nancee meeker on mon 8 apr 96
After years of going it alone as an individual with insurance and paying
a LOT more because I was not part of a "group" (and then looking at
several "groups" through arts organizations and such), I ended up
subscribing with my local Chamber of Commerce. (membership costs $75. a
year) They have several different plans and price ranges available and I
have been very happy with the extended coverage that I have available to
me now. It is "managed care" but so is almost everything else these days.
And I still remember vividly the kidney stone (ROCK) that put me in the
hospital for 2 weeks and cost over $30,000 for which I was responsible
for only $25.-------Don't go with out insurance!!!!!!
Nancee Meeker Studio and Gallery
169 Kelly St.
Rhinecliff, NY 12574
tel 914-876-3119
fax 914-876-3118
meeker@nextstep.net
Olivia T Cavy on thu 19 jun 97
Depending on where you live in the US, health insurance for the self
employed can be purchased through a variety of organizations for smaller
businesses. Usually you will be asked to provide them with a copy of your
Schedule C to "prove" you are a business, but I'd start by contacting the
Chamber of Commerce, any nearby University that runs a small business
advisory center, any local organization you belong to. In the Pittsburgh,
PA area there is a Smaller Manufacturers Council that accepts members in
the Arts, although potters should even qualify as manufacturers. You will
probably end up joining the organization if you are not already a member
(which seems to cost around $250/year here) and then you'll be paying
monthly health insurance costs for a group, which, although it's not
cheap, is less expensive than creating your own group (if you can).
Bonnie Hellman in Pittsburgh, PA
Jon Bares-Anderson on thu 19 jun 97
I'm 51 years old and I just moved into a higher cost sector (big jump over
last year) and I have 2000 dollar deductible (they also have $5000
deductible) and I pay $900.00 a year through Blue Cross Aware Care.
There are a endless amount of variables in the different policies so it
is hard to compare apples to apples but in general this is a good policie.
The main suggestion I have is to get a high deductible in my case the
sub $2000 in my policie cost 75 cents on the dollar.
stay healthy
jba
We would like to share our work with you. Please take
a look at our Pottery and Hand Blown Glass Homepage .
http://www.isd.net/jbander1/
Leslie Ihde on thu 19 jun 97
As some people know, I'm a psychotherapist and potter, and am fairly well
versed in health insurances as I submit my bills myself and therfore deal
with several companies and HMO's. My part time job pays my ins, but
several of my collegues are self employed entirely and provide their own
insurance. I've commented on this theme previously on clayart, and would
be glad to answer more specific questions, but the following remarks
constitute the "bottom line".
1. Consider your health. If you are young and healthy and have good
habits, your primary concern should really be catastrophic coverage- that
is, insurance that makes sure you will not become bankrupt if you develop
a major disease or have a major accident. Look very carefully at that
aspect of any policy, do not be deceived by low monthly payments. Many
run out and are in adequate.
2. HMO's and other forms of managed care contract with groups (businesses
useally) and say they will save money to the buyer of insurance by
"managing" care. This means limiting care in most cases either by slowing
down care in the form of requiring that you see a primary care physician
and getting permission or a referral to a specialist, suggesting a generic
drug which may produce more side effects instead of a more expensive one,
limiting the number of providers who can see you by only re imbursing a
few who agree to the managed care terms. It also means that people who
never see you or your care provider may suggest treatment procedures that
are short and inexpensive. What else could it mean in the end? How could
the introduction of a bureaucracy save money any other way? These managed
care companies often even describe themselves as giving you the choice of
provider and being concerned with your care. They are not, they are a
business like any other.
3. Be absolutely sure that the paper work is reaonable. Some insurers
now refuse to reimburse with out prior consent- this doesn't always work
out well for people in need of treatment. There may be many hidden forms
of paper work which may create many difficulties for your provider and
therfore indirectly for you.
What I would do- being young and healthy and having good habits, is
purchase a very good catastrophic policy and develop my own medical
savings for routine care.
Leslie
Vestal NY
Orion Ceramic Studios on fri 20 jun 97
Whether you obtain health insurance through family coverage or buy it
directly as a group member or individual, you should definitely read the
fine print about "work related injuries and/or illnesses."
Most health insurance coverage will NOT cover expenses or lost time related
to burns, back injuries, whatever, suffered in the pottery or studio if
you're selling your work. This sort of calamity would require coverage by
a separate "workers comp" policy.
The best way to get the whole picture:
(1) Ask your insurance agent or company for all policy clarifications and
exceptions regarding work related injuries. Read the actual policy -- ask
them for a copy if you don't have one handy. If it won't cover work
related losses,
(2) Check with your state's workmen's compensation agency; find out what's
available and how to get it.
(3) You might give a call to your state's insurance commission office for
"the big picture." They should be able to provide printed information
about how personal + workers comp coverages are supposed to work together
in your state.
It would be terrible to spend a fortune in health insurance premiums, then
have a claim denied. (Don't get "hung" in a loophole!)
Ellen Baker
orion@telcomplus.com
Here in Washington state, a self-employed person can get such coverage from
"the Department of Labor & Industries." (It's not cheap, but I think it's
well worthwhile!)
Earl Brunner on tue 15 jan 02
Doesn't Potter's Council offer insurance? Check:
http://www.potterscouncil.org/memberbenefits.asp
Deeclay@AOL.COM wrote:
> Just wondering if there might be some kind of group health insurance offered
> for self employed artists. If anyone has a good one can you let me know. My
> insurance company United Benefit Life just went out of business and I am
> having a hard time finding something I can afford.
> Any info will be welcome.
> Thanks in advance.
> Diane in Miami
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
Deeclay@AOL.COM on tue 15 jan 02
Just wondering if there might be some kind of group health insurance offered
for self employed artists. If anyone has a good one can you let me know. My
insurance company United Benefit Life just went out of business and I am
having a hard time finding something I can afford.
Any info will be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Diane in Miami
Kate Johnson on tue 15 jan 02
Do you have a business name, or are you just going by your own name, Diane?
I just got a VERY good insurance deal for small businesses (one. Me.)
through Blue Cross/Blue Shield, much better than what I'd had before. You
might want to give them a whirl...I always thought I couldn't afford Blue
Cross, but it's about $200 a month cheaper than what I had...
> Just wondering if there might be some kind of group health insurance
offered
> for self employed artists. If anyone has a good one can you let me know.
My
> insurance company United Benefit Life just went out of business and I am
> having a hard time finding something I can afford.
> Any info will be welcome.
> Thanks in advance.
> Diane in Miami
Best--
Kate
Susan Cline on tue 15 jan 02
Diane -- check out the Potters Council. I think it is run through the general
admin of CM. You will find it online.
I'm sure there are many others on this list who have more/better info but this
will be worth a look.
-- Sue in Cincinnati
Deeclay@AOL.COM wrote:
> Just wondering if there might be some kind of group health insurance offered
> for self employed artists. If anyone has a good one can you let me know. My
> insurance company United Benefit Life just went out of business and I am
> having a hard time finding something I can afford.
> Any info will be welcome.
> Thanks in advance.
> Diane in Miami
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Working Potter on tue 15 jan 02
Dear Diane,
Have you tried using a search engine on the internet? Check the company's
rating using Best which also probably is online.I know they have a rate
comparison for life insurance online.
Misty
Karin Abromaitis on tue 15 jan 02
There is a company based in Texas called MEGA Health & Life Ins. I've us=
ed them since 1998. They are expensive, or at least my plan is, but it c=
overs chiropractic and acupuncture. They also have a tendency to be very=
slow and lose things so I send everything via registered mail, send copi=
es to my state insurance board and keep the originals of everything. BUT=
, they cover self-employed people-and not many companies do. Let me know=
if you want their contact info.
Karin A
----- Original Message -----
From: Deeclay@AOL.COM
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2002 9:23 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Health Insurance
Just wondering if there might be some kind of group health insurance offe=
red
for self employed artists. If anyone has a good one can you let me know. =
My
insurance company United Benefit Life just went out of business and I am
having a hard time finding something I can afford.
Any info will be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Diane in Miami
_________________________________________________________________________=
_____
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclin=
k.com.
Marcia Selsor on tue 15 jan 02
Join the American Crafts Council.. they have group insurance.
Does the potters' Council? I am a member but I haven't looked into that aspect.
Marcia in Montana
Deeclay@AOL.COM wrote:
> Just wondering if there might be some kind of group health insurance offered
> for self employed artists. If anyone has a good one can you let me know. My
> insurance company United Benefit Life just went out of business and I am
> having a hard time finding something I can afford.
> Any info will be welcome.
> Thanks in advance.
> Diane in Miami
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Mert & Holly Kilpatrick on wed 16 jan 02
The Potter's Council doesn't offer medical insurance. It has some related
plans, such as chiropractic, dental, vision, hearing, etc. I would also be
interested in hearing others' solutions to this problem.
Holly
> Diane -- check out the Potters Council. I think it is run through the
general
> admin of CM. You will find it online.
> I'm sure there are many others on this list who have more/better info but
this
> will be worth a look.
Marcia Selsor on thu 17 jan 02
Check the American Craft Council members insurance. I din't use it but it is
there.
A membership is$40/year and entitles you to subscribe to group insurance./
It may be better than your current rates but I can't say.
Call them
Marcia in Montana
"Garret D. Bonnema" wrote:
> We live in Maine where there is guaranteed issue. It is great, except that
> it means most of the insurance companies have left the state. We have one of
> the three major carriers left, and our rates just went up from $595 a month
> to $854 a month, a 44% increase. They went up almost 30% last year. We have
> an HMO and we are 54 and 55 years old. There appears to be no end in sight
> to the increases, just in our ability to pay.
> Garret Bonnema
> Bethel, Maine ( where we are finally getting some snow)
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Garret D. Bonnema on thu 17 jan 02
We live in Maine where there is guaranteed issue. It is great, except that
it means most of the insurance companies have left the state. We have one of
the three major carriers left, and our rates just went up from $595 a month
to $854 a month, a 44% increase. They went up almost 30% last year. We have
an HMO and we are 54 and 55 years old. There appears to be no end in sight
to the increases, just in our ability to pay.
Garret Bonnema
Bethel, Maine ( where we are finally getting some snow)
Tom Wirt/Betsy Price on thu 17 jan 02
This whole issue is one that we as potters (in the US) should be
writing our legislatures about. Everyone's talking about the high
cost of insurance, but no ones addressingthe problems faced by teh
sefl injsured. We've had 25% increases the last 3 years on a small
group plan (group of 2) with Blue Cross. This is riediculous
considering we've had essentially zero claims.
Look up your congress-person and senators names and send a note.
Tom Wirt
activist on governement since I got elected a Township Supervisor.
Garry Moon on tue 29 jan 02
I noted some discussion on this topic in recent weeks and thought I'd chime=
in. We researched the insurance industry prior to last year's=
introduction of Potters Council. As you know, insurance costs are=
skyrocketing, and we'd love to offer members a break on their health=
insurance costs. Unfortunately we ran into a brick wall in terms of=
locating a nationwide group discount health insurance program. We=
reviewed the few programs currently available, but didn't find any of real=
value. Most often we were able to find as good as or better rates through=
an insurance broker out of the yellow pages.
The problem has to do with the fact that insurance companies must file=
their rates in every state, and the difficulty in doing so. Also with=
rates rising, there isn't currently much incentive for them to offer us=
nationwide discounted pricing. This is something we will be keeping our=
eye on though. Currently Potters Council offers discounts on Vision Care,=
Hearing, Prescription Drugs, Dental & Chiropractic services through=
nationwide networks of providers. These programs aren't insurance, but=
are a helpful way to obtain these services at a discount (see=
http://www.potterscouncil.org/memberbenefits.asp).
If you are currently in the market for health insurance, I would suggest=
contacting your local chamber of commerce, or a local artist or civic=
association. Some of these organizations do offer discounted health=
insurance to members in their local area. Otherwise you might try an=
insurance broker from your yellow pages. Sorry I can't provide more help.
Garry Moon
Membership Manager
The American Ceramic Society
mel jacobson on thu 5 sep 02
one of the things those of us that work
on the potters council board have discovered
is:
insurance is a state thing. it is hard to get any kind
of insurance that is `nationwide`. (unless your group is 25,000)
states vary so much, regions vary, local areas vary on
what is accepted for health insurance.
it is a big bag of worms.
being alone in the insurance world is a big scarry thing.
search your local government agencies. ask around.
don't take the first offer.
this is important, you must be diligent.
the potters council is working on many aspects of group
support, but health insurance is not going to be one of
them for some time.
mel
a group of us, headed by karen terpstra is planning
the first ever, regional meeting of the potters council.
next june, lacrosse, wisconsin.
From:
Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
Michelle Lowe on thu 29 may 03
What do you folks do who don't have a spouse with decent, reasonably priced health insurance? Both of us are self employed and we have four kids, and the health insurance costs are killing us! I know Potter's Council attempted to find a group plan but as I recall that didn't pan out, anyone have any suggestions where to search?
Desperate in the desert,
Mishy
-----------
Michelle Lowe potter in the Phoenix desert
http://www.desertdragonpottery.com
Mishy@desertdragonpottery.com
mishlowe@amug.org
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clay.music on thu 29 may 03
HI Mishy,
Last year after much searching I found the Alliance for Affordable Services.
This is health insurance at reasonable rates, and a host of other services.
So far I've been very pleased with my plan. The national number is
1-800-733-2242. I was told when I "joined" (yes it's rather like a club, you
can even use some of the services for your MC/VISA) that there are about 2
million self- employed members nationwide.
My biggest hope is that one day we will all have a reasonable system for
health care in this country. It's America's tragedy that so many people
cannot afford even basic health care, but don't get me started on this one!
good luck
Sara O'Neill
Geometrix Clay Designs
www.geometrixclay.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michelle Lowe"
To:
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 9:32 AM
Subject: health insurance
> What do you folks do who don't have a spouse with decent, reasonably
priced health insurance? Both of us are self employed and we have four
kids, and the health insurance costs are killing us! I know Potter's
Council attempted to find a group plan but as I recall that didn't pan out,
anyone have any suggestions where to search?
>
> Desperate in the desert,
> Mishy
>
> -----------
> Michelle Lowe potter in the Phoenix desert
> http://www.desertdragonpottery.com
> Mishy@desertdragonpottery.com
> mishlowe@amug.org
> \|/ |
> -O- | |
> /|\ | | |
> |_|_|
> ____ |
> \ /-----|-----
> ( )
> <__>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
John Jensen on thu 29 may 03
It's a tough situation. I'm insured through my wife's plan, but last
year she was unemployed for eight months or so and we had to buy a plan
on the market. One thing I guess I learned is that state regulations
come in to play...I'd check with the state insurance commission to see
if there are any programs they can guide you toward.
John Jensen, Mudbug Pottery
mudbug@toadhouse.com , http://www.toadhouse.com
Stephani Stephenson on thu 29 may 03
Mishy
I pay $200 per month , just for me, with a $20 co-pay for office
visits.
I don't go to the doctor very often , so i am
wincing on the coast
Stephani Stephenson
Kathi LeSueur on thu 29 may 03
mishlowe@AMUG.ORG wrote:
>What do you folks do who don't have a spouse with decent, reasonably priced health insurance? Both of us are self employed and we have four kids, and the health insurance costs are killing us! I know Potter's Council attempted to find a group plan but as I recall that didn't pan out, anyone have any suggestions where to search?
>
>Desperate in the desert,
>Mishy
>
>
>
See if your chamber of commerce offers health insurance. In Michigan
there is the Michigan Business and Professional Assoc. It offers
insurance to it's members. You can join the Farm Bureau and get their
insurance. You don't have to be a farmer. BUT....... there is no such
thing as "reasonably priced health insurance" anymore. It costs my
partner and I $6000 a year for health insurance. A high deductible, a
high co-pay, and no prescription. It would be slightly less if we were
in a PPO but I'm unwilling to have my choice of doctors limited. Having
dealt with group insurance for a large arts group a number of years ago,
I know that "reasonable" is impossible. One of the main factors against
us is that we tend to not purchase insurance until we need it. Selection
against the company. Get sick, get insurance. The other is the attitude
of the insurers. Quoting from an agent for a national insurer when we
were trying to replace coverage for 2000 members, " Artists are queer,
they get AIDS, and we're not paying for them."
Wishing you well in your search,
Kathi
J Lutz on mon 8 dec 03
There was a recent discussion about health insurance and when I came across
this I thought it might be of interest to some. I found it on http://lii.org
Jean Lutz
Artists' Health Insurance Resource Center
Not just for artists. Links to health insurance and health access
information "for artists and people in the entertainment industry" as well
as "the self-employed, low-income workers, the under-insured, [and] the
uninsured who require medical care." Browsable by state, and searchable
within a state listing. Also includes a glossary and links to news items.
From the Actors' Fund of America. State information can be slow to load.
http://www.actorsfund.org/ahirc/
Jonathan Kirkendall on wed 9 mar 05
Must be that time of year - I'm in the same boat, looking for
insurance. What's I've discovered is that if one can find a reputable
broker, it is no more expensive than going direct through a company, and
they can provide you with side by side comparisons of different plans.
I've heard good things about Golden Rule (http://www.goldenrule.com/)
from other friends who use it. They have Health Savings Plans where
pre-tax money goes into accounts and are used to pay the deductables.
The accounts are carried from year to year and you don't lose the money
if you don't use it.
I've heard today that my state (Maryland) offers health insurance to
self employed people, so I'm busy trying to find info about that.
Jonathan in DC (well, ok, 25 feet out of DC into a state with all the
priveleges that a state can offer, like voting for congressional
representation, which is more than the residents of DC can do...)
jay wilson wrote:
>
>
> I too am interested in health insurance but only from within a group.
> Can anyone make suggestions? I cannot afford premiums if not in a
> group I think.
>
> Is there a clay group somewhere? Anyone?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jan
>
> >From: Arnold Howard >Reply-To: Clayart
> >To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG >Subject:
> Health Insurance >Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:19:08 -0600 > >Does anyone
> have a recommendation on health insurance? I am >considering >Unicare
> and Humana but am open to any suggestions. > >Can the pretax money in
> a health savings account be used to pay for >the >monthly health
> insurance fee? > >Thanks, >Arnold Howard >
> >______________________________________________________________________________
> >Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org > >You may look at the
> archives for the list or change your >subscription >settings from
> http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/ > >Moderator of the list is Mel
> Jacobson who may be reached at >melpots@pclink.com.
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org You may look at the archives
> for the list or change your subscription settings from
> http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/ Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson
> who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
S. Morris on wed 9 mar 05
--- Arnold,
This is my first year out of college, and I decided to
go with Anthem Blue Cross, they have a pretty good
plan for individuals, some co-pay for perscriptions
and some hospital coverage... but it's limited.
-Steph M.
______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change
> your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be
> reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site!
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/
Arnold Howard on wed 9 mar 05
Does anyone have a recommendation on health insurance? I am considering
Unicare and Humana but am open to any suggestions.
Can the pretax money in a health savings account be used to pay for the
monthly health insurance fee?
Thanks,
Arnold Howard
jay wilson on wed 9 mar 05
I too am interested in health insurance but only from within a group. Can anyone make suggestions? I cannot afford premiums if not in a group I think.
Is there a clay group somewhere? Anyone?
Thanks
Jan
>From: Arnold Howard <arnoldhoward@ATT.NET>
>Reply-To: Clayart <CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG>
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Health Insurance
>Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:19:08 -0600
>
>Does anyone have a recommendation on health insurance? I am
>considering
>Unicare and Humana but am open to any suggestions.
>
>Can the pretax money in a health savings account be used to pay for
>the
>monthly health insurance fee?
>
>Thanks,
>Arnold Howard
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your
>subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
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