https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:07:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384287 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:23:54 +0000 honeybear 2384287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bought directly from BCBS. I didn't investigate this option, but I think that being part of some faith-based health cost sharing ministries exempts you from the ACA penalty. (I think that's what they're called...) That might be an option, but they aren't traditional insurance, so read all the fine print before you join one. I hear you on the regular insurance premium costs. They're high. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384254 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:59:25 +0000 mediagirl 2384254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BelugaBean: I'm so sorry. I understand and I hate that they don't take "other" circumstances into the equation. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384249 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:57:48 +0000 BelugaBean 2384249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: We entered our household information but it's a no (I knew it would be). He makes enough to not qualify but then we have a lot in debt from student loans and costs from college so it makes it much harder to afford what they assume we can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384245 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:55:12 +0000 mediagirl 2384245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BelugaBean: totally understand! Did you check to see if you would qualify for any assistance? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384234 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:49:52 +0000 BelugaBean 2384234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: The problem is that DH is a contractor so there is no health insurance through his work. I'm a SAHM and the job I would get would almost entirely offset childcare costs, although I will go back to work when they're both in school. He was offered a job with the actual company he works at but it was for less than half of his current pay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384204 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:29:40 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2384204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents own their own business and they've always had to provide their own insurance. Honestly, the individual policies that they have always had to carry have always been insanely expensive. :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384194 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:25:02 +0000 MaryM 2384194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH has insurance through Kaiser that he pays for himself. I pay close to the same amount for my employer provided insurance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384193 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:23:31 +0000 mediagirl 2384193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BelugaBean: if one of you is working, does your employer offer a stipend for not using their health insurance? That could help offset the cost. We went private last year and had insurance directly through the insurance co. Our rate went up almost $500 and we can't afford it anymore so we are going back to my company plan next year. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-get-health-insurance-through-an-employer#post-2384190 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:20:59 +0000 BelugaBean 2384190@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Where do you get it from? We went through the marketplace last year and it was expensive but doable. The rates have gone way, way up this year and the cheapest plan is almost out of our budget (it probably is but we *might* be able to make it work). Any other options/ideas I may not have thought of? </p>