To All Full-Time REI: What do you do for Health Insurance?

[Susan Knight]

I am interested to know what you do for Health Insurance after you left your W2 income to go full time in REI? I am wanting to plan for the future, since my goal is to be full time in 2 or 3 years. I have the option of part-time work to keep my insurance, but after 20 years in my career, I want to retire early.

Thanks in Advance

Susan

[Linda Weygant]

Here in Colorado, we have a state health insurance exchange that is simple and easy for self employed folks like me.  I have a silver plan for myself only for $400/month.  I think South Carolina is on the national exchange though, so you'll have to do your shopping there.

I say "only" $400 per month like it's nothing.  For some folks, that's a lot.  But I was self employed back in the late 90s/early 00s and was paying $850/month for self only coverage.  I ended up having to close down my business and take a W-2 job because I got really sick and my insurance company dropped me.  The only way for me to get coverage was through an employer.  I couldn't afford to not have coverage.

If the ACA is repealed/replaced with something that does not mandate coverage for pre-existing conditions, I'll be either dead or bankrupt within five years.