depends on age, health, deductible, etc
Posted By: Patti on 2007-06-01
In Reply to: What would a single person health insurance be - likely to be, on average? TIA
Too many variables but figure on $350 to $500 depending on the above. All you have to do is do a search on medical insurance coverage in your area and find out.
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I have 5,000 deductible
It's more or less catastrophic insurance, however, when I was formerly covered on my job there was a fairly high deductible also. Anyway, I am 53 years old and my premium is 120.00 a month. It's through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. You can bring up lots of insurance information via the internet that does comparisons of different plans and costs based on your age.
Only 50%, 1/2 of SS is deductible
You only deduct 50% of your SS as you are paying that much. Look at your 1040, deudction is 50% of what you paid on your net income on scheudle C.
Tax Deductible Expenses
We ran a business for years from our home. As far as I know, you can take the base rate of your telephone bill as an expense (which includes FCC taxes) and any long distance calls related directly to the business. As for Home Owners Insurance, you can take 7% of the insurance because you use 7% of your home for your business. Also, anything related to the business such as equipment, paper, tapes or special software programs can be taken as well. If you have to travel to deliver the finished reports, I believe the rate is 28 cents a mile. If you travel, you can also deduct any maintenance on your vehicle. Hope this helps. 
IMO no, trip is not tax deductible at all. (nm)
x
Only way trip is deductible is if it is
Like if you are going to an MT seminar or traveling to meet a new client, etc. Working while on vacation doesn't count since you aren't required to work from that location.
When it IS business related, you have to have receipts and legitimate paperwork proving it is work related and that you spent time conducting business. A trip expense like that would be a red flag to the IRS to audit you, so you darn well better have excellent documentation.
Taxes are deductible and it does help out at the end of the year.
Be sure to try to get fixed. I have 7.5 fixed for 30. They do have 40 yr mtgs now. And you can always refinance if your financial picture changes. When I moved into my home, i had no cable, a junky car and ate like a poor person. Once, to make my mtg, during a really rough time, i sold my bedroom suite. Keeping the roof over our heads is #1 priority. You sound like someone responsible enough to do this. Would you qualify for this loan on your own? Getting his name on this house might not be smart thing to do during these rocky times?
and don't forget the other 7.5% is deductible off of your income nm
nm
you have it backwards, if you don't go to the doc get a high deductible
having a high deductible will really cut down on your premiums. Say you rarely see the doctor and don't have prescriptions. An 80/20 plan with a $5000 deductible can run you as little as $59 a month, and that has a $500 out of pocket. I have Assurant Health (formerly Fortis), for myself and the kids. For $5000 family deductible we pay about $3000. So the most we will pay in a year is $8000. But at my husband's last job, we were supposed to pay all of the premium for family coverage and they would pay for his coverage. Premiums were going to be $9000. Add a $500 deductible to that and 20% which would probably run another $2000, and a catastrophic illness for one person would be $11,500. $11500 is a lot more than $8000, plus with the Assurant Health plan that is our FAMILY deductible. With the group plan, if one more person got sick, it started all over again with their own deductible. So you have to do the math. Individual coverage for all 4 of us will run us $5300/yr, that is, if they agree to insure my husband. If you have ANYTHING at all, individual insurance will not take you. So keep that in mind too. Insurance is the reason why somebody in the family should have a "real" job :)
only one office is deductible -- color coding
I use color coding and have done so from day 1. Have 7 docs and they all have their own color for tapes, letter head, returned dictation, binder etc. They are no longer names, they are blue/green/yellow/red/purple/clear and yellow/green. That is the only way I keep their things separate and for sure know who to deliver to what. Am of the old school and this works for me. Also have a monthly board that I keep track of their tapes and time off and that is also color coded.
Only one office is deductible otherwise you could call your entire home an office.
If you can get it, do an individual account with a high deductible...sm
but in order to get individual insurance, you have to have NO medical problems. They even put a rider on my son's ADD. Premiums for me and my two kids (husband has ins through work) run about $3800 a year, and we have a $5000 family deductible. Worse case scenario, some one gets sick and it costs us $8800. Premiums for family ins through DH's work were $9000 - sick or not. Good luck. I agree - the insurance lobbied that sucker through.
I work for a national, $600 yearly deductible and 15-30 copay
nm
home office expenses are still deductible if you are an employee - nm
x
Rules state anything not reimbursed by employer deductible.
/
Husband's plan has no deductible, just copay and pays just straight up to 12 visits a year.
I do have a high deductible for mine, I think $5000 but the important thing to me is that I only pay $35 office visit copay. The deductible only kicks in on lab, x-ray etc.. and I have prescription coverage. The other thing you have to consider, as I also work in a physician's office doing medical billing, is that there are substantial contractual adjustments if you are with a BC plan. Say, your bill is $100 and the "allowable" from the insurance company is $75, that means that your doctor's office has to adjust off the extra $25 and you are not responsible for that; whereas, if you had no insurance, you'd have to pay the whole $100 out of your own pocket, no discount there.
Health Ins
I also have a high deductible and a medical account that I put money away pre-tax dollars to pay for partial deductible, dental visits, contacts, etc. But my insurance even with the deductible still pays for office visits with a co-pay and most of my docs that I work for will treat me at a reduced rate, give me samples, etc. So it is mainly if I have a heart attack, broken leg, etc. I figure I can always pay the $2000 but not the $10 K. I am 59 years old. I also have a self employed retirement fund that this year am contributing 1,000 a month to. Also putting money into my house for my retirement. All of this is off what my company makes and so I do not have to pay the 15.75% to SS for it and so that helps to lower the cost for me. You can do it, you just have to figure out how to and if that means driving an older car or not buying as many clothes, I just do it. I won't have much when I retire dur to late age divorce but I will make it on my own and still have some fun.
Health Ins.
Are you applying for a private ins. policy. Are you currently covered under a Cobra or group plan?
Private policies can and do deny you for smoking. If you are currently covered under Cobra which has not yet expired you can apply to the same ins. co, and they can't deny you coverage (if you are currently covered with them now)*** That is the big "IF".
those of you that have independent health
insurance, what companies are the policies with? i've done the quote thing with a couple online services that quote several companies, but i've heard of very few of the companies that reply. does anyone have mega? or heard of nase?? or even which companies to avoid would be extremely appreciated. (i'm in indiana with 1 child).  TIA!!!!
Re: Health insurance
Of note: When I was working in a doctor's office, we had a patient, who went to a hospital ER approved by her insurance, unfortunately, the doctor treating her did not accept her insurance. It was still in litigation the last I was aware. So tell me; how are you suppose to protect yourself in this instance....say you are comatose or unresponsive upon arrival....???
Health Insurance
Does anyone have any information on health insurance for ICs? I am a new MT and have only been working for three months, and unfortunately the company that I work for does not offer benefits. If anyone has any information I would really appreciate it.
Oh! By the way I know about Blue Cross Blue Shield, and will not consider going through them. They are way too expensive and they do not cover any pre-existing conditions.
health insurance
I'm afraid your stuck honey! There are NO companies that provide health insurance for ICs. Sorry ):
Health Insurance
I just enrolled my 12 year old daughter in an AETNA insurance plan. They offer plans just for children and offer 3 different HMO's. I picked the best of the 3, with a 10.00 copay and no referrals, for $105.00 per month. Can't beat that!
Health insurance - HELP?!!
Does anyone know of any health insurance I can get? 55-year-old MT (good health)& asking through web and/or phone is a nightmare. Does anyone have GOOD health insur. for a nominal cost? (& dental/vision if have). A few yrs ago I heard of some "upcoming" health ins. for MTs for 1-200/mth (!!?) but never heard again. I really need health insurance. Please help if you can; am sick of brokers & agents who do nothing but give the runaround. Currently in San Diego but may go back to KY next year (home). Thx again!
Health shake s/m
in my blender little bit of wheat germ, little bit of oatmeal, hunk of soft tofu, couple pieces frozen banana, half orange, pineapple chunks or other fruit of choice, canned or fresh, about a glass of apple juice. Whirr in blender for a minute or 2. Tasty and nutritious!
Kaleida Health in NY?
Does anyone know of a transcription service handling these accounts?
health insurance
Ugggh!! Any ICs out there have any good advice for obtaining affordable health insurance on your own? I have gotten quotes which are completely unaffordable !!! I live in NY state.
health insurance
What transcription companies offer Blue Cross Blue Shield?
health insurance
 Is there any such thing as health insurance for "home workers" that is a good plan? Thanks for any information you might have!
health insurance
I'm currently employed by a local hospital but am considering taking a job as an independent contractor, but I would need health insurance. Can anyone recommend any good health insurance companies for someone who is self-employed?
health insurance
Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate it.
Health Insurance
Try getting an online quote from all of the big health insurance companies at www.ehealthinsurance.com. You can get a quote for insurance from United, Aetna, Blue Cross, in just a few minutes. I got my insurance thru here and its nice because I can cancel at any time. I have more control over the plan and my insurance (age 35 with no major health problems) was hundreds less a month than my employer. Hope this helps!
health insurance
Thanks for the info. I'll definitely check it out!
health insurance sm
No matter how you try to set up a plan, it will be very expensive. Do your homework. I joined my local chamber of commerce, researched which one in my state had the cheapest price to join and then became a member, joined their group benefits program, etc. I could be wrong but plan on over a thousand a month. Hope you do better in your state. Your husband could be on your plan if you choose the family plan and you as the company owner and member of the chamber. Research, research. Don't fall for the insurance companies that will offer you plans through self-employment until you check with your local chambers of commerce. As a member of the local chamber you will also have a chance to network your services which never hurts,might even help and you will have a feeling of belonging to a group of professionals. Best way for me!
headphones and ear health
I am wondering if this is a valid point. that you don't want to damage your hearing. I just had an appt with an ENT doc who put me on steroids for a eustachian tube that is filled with fluid. I am wondering if the fact that I wear full ear covering headphones 8-10 hours a day and then sleep with ear plugs in has caused this problem or if it is aggravating it. It never occurred to me that my ears are now only uncovered a few hours a day! Isn't air supposed to be able to get to that tube in order for it to function properly? I should have mentioned to the doc that I have my ears covered most of the time to see what he thought. What do you all think?
Health Insurance
You should definitely check into getting insurance if that's a deal breaker for you. With individual policies, they don't have to insure you at all, and if they do decide to they can put waivers on the policy where they won't cover treatment for certain diagnosis. Also, individual policies do not have to adhere to the same guidelines and mandates that group policies do regarding waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. So continuous previous coverage may not help you at all. Check with various companies, each is different
health insurance
I love your description....you are justifiably angry. It makes me angry just to read what you've had to go through! Maybe we should quit work, go on public aid, and let Medicaid pay for our medical care and meds. I know people who are unemployed (many by choice!!!), on Medicaid insurance, and have MUCH better health care coverage than I have working full time!
Health Insurance
I can certainly relate to your frustrations as well. I just became unemployed and signed up for Cobra at $375 a month for just me. I have started checking around and due to the fact that I just turned 60, it is showing it will cost me between $300 and $350 and that is with a $2800 deductible or $1800 deductible, meaning you pay that amount first before they pay anything. BCBS told me years ago they would not take me because I was overweight. Now I had the lap band surgery so my diabetes and high blood pressure have went away, and lost about 80 pounds. My numbers are absolutely wonderful, but they will not take anyone who has had that type of surgery - can't win!! Now went and had a life screening test to be sure that carotids, etc. are okay as had several cousins my age or less die of massive heart attacks, only to find I have a thyroid mass. So now back to the doctor again for an ultrascan and biopsy next week. Cannot look for other insurance until this is taken care of and then may still get rejected or a rider for it as pre-existing. If you came up with any ideas, please share them with me to make it easier for me to find something as well. TIA
Health records
Where can I locate the AHDI recommendation on length of time for MT business to retain health records?
I would look into something health related
I'd look into something in the health field so that your MT background is at least partially relevant such as insurance claims processor for a health insurance company, a coder, or in billing for a large clinic or hospital. I don't think any of those require more college, although they may prefer some training at least. There are of course many other directions in the health field, but many have you interacting with people.
Health Insurance for IC
Does anyone think that health insurance is a waste on an extremely tight budget in an otherwise healthy person knocking on 30's door? Aren't health-insurance premimums 100% tax deductible for an IC? I know that my doctor's visits and medical costs without insurance have to meet or exceed a certain amount to be tax deductible, which never happens for me. I hate to add another bill to my budget for something I don't use right now, but I know good health is not a guarantee. Any opinions from an IC who has had to make this decision or anyone else who has any ideas? I keep thinking of the extra money I will have to pay, but I know it would come in handy if needed. Such decisions...
Health insurance
Generally if they are affordable, they don't cover much and if they are expensive, they don't cover much either. Your best bet is to work for a hospital and then you will get a better plan.
Taking care of yourself is the best defense against health insurance, i.e. exericse and eat right and stay way from prescription drugs.
If it's ok with you if your health records
go to some filthy disgusting third-world country, at the expense of your own job and livelihood, be my guest. FYI HIPAA laws are only for this country. they can do whatever they want with your private health records. It's not just fires. The QA sucks, communication barriers suck, economic consequences of MTs who have lost their jobs BECAUSE of greedy Indian MTs,.... List goes on. Go ahead and be a bleeding heart, but don't be surprised when your job security stops beating as well.
I have health insurance....sm
but the way the economy is right now...every penny I make goes for bills....I barely have enough to pay the $20 copay for my doctor visits and not even enough to even pay the copay for meds. It's horrible.
Department of health
According to my doctor, Hillary Clinton was the main one involved in the HIPPA. Don't know if it is true or not, just what he said.
Health Insurance for IC MTs
I am thinking of going strictly IC. Does anyone know of a few health insurance companies that do not cost an arm and leg that I could check into. I am looking for a PPO plan. Insurance is so expensive and I do not like those High-End Deductibles so insurance shopping. I have looked on web. Hard decision to make, but I just cannot take the big national outsource companies anymore even though some have decent insurance coverage, but at this point in my life I am just over the hassle. I have worked for small companies and big companies and I have found out that for me the small companies work better for me. Big outsource companies overstaff and they do not care how long you have to sit and wait on work and still cannot make any money. I am not enough to retire. I think I am just burn out right now. I have done this for 30 years, but I love medical transcription. I used to work at a hospital and do PT and now I have lost my hospital position and I am just having a hard time getting back on track it seems. Thanks for letting me vent.
health insurance
For your standard individual health plan, yes you do have to go through a physical. Generally, if you're overweight or have been diagnosed in the past with an issue like hypothyroidism, or any other kind of problem, they'll turn you down.
Some states are now starting to have sort of a health insurance "pool" through the state for individuals who can't get regular coverage on their own. It can be more expensive and the coverage is limited, but it's good for disaster coverage.
Health insurance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzDwXr9szxw
Just caught this spoof on Youtube. Interesting for anyone
in healthcare, using healthcare, you name it.
everyone used to type Pubic Health
a bit of advice re health insurance.
I had an emergency trip to the hospital a few weeks ago so my daughter drove me to the nearest one (it was the middle of the night of course) which is about 5 miles from my home. Well, it turns out that the hospital my insurance plan (Regence Blueshield) will pay 100% for is about an hour away and since I didn't go there, I now have to pay 40% of the EMERGENCY hospital bill. I know, I should just shut up and be thankful I have insurance. I AM, but this will hurt me financially - besides -
The reason I'm putting this in here is don't make the *mistake* I made - read all the details BEFORE you need to know....being a newbie MT, this bill is going to take a loooooooooooonnnng time to pay off.....
Anyone tried AAMT's health insurance?
Just wondering if anyone had checked out the health insurance premiums that are supposed to be discounted for AAMT members. Really need to get some coverage for myself and family.
MT in addition to other health care job?
I know that there are MTs out there that are MTs along with another HC job, but have never heard anything specific.
I am about to start MT school but in about 2-3 years the opportunity for me to go to school to become an RRT will present itself (it might not again for another 5 yrs past that point). It (being an RRT) is something I have wanted to do for a while, but only as PRN or part time work because of the shifts, the ages of my kids and my dh's work schedule (out of town a lot and weird hours). Because of that, I figure I could work as an IC (obviously 20hrs/wk or less) during RRT school and nights and weekends when I am not at my RRT job. We move every couple of years and IC work (for a national at home) could also serve as a steady income source while I find another RRT position (which could conceivably take a while considering my limitations regarding work hours outside my home).
Since I obviously do neither job right now, I don't know how realistic my expectations of this are. Does anyone juggle these two jobs? I know its most likely nurses that do this, but I welcome anyone's comments.
I definitely plan on going to MT school, because its available now, the work will be there, and being an MT is an excellent fit for me. Just trying to plan ahead - I know dh will want to know if I am giving up plans to go to RRT school because of this.
Thanks.
Health Insurance in College
At all the college i went to, they had their own health insurance that a student could subscribe to while they attended there. Now I went full time at each college and that may be a prerequisite. So I would have him check there before searching out some expensive private plan.
I would check out what all they covered, but if I remember correctly, it was very comprehensive.
Hope this helps.
R
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