Health Insurance for Freelancers?

Y.L. Prinzel · 11-18-2009, 02:15 PM

I'd like a little feedback from y'all about this Health coverage offered by a freelance writing site http://www.demandstudios.com/pdf/Fin...S%20Health.pdf . Obviously this is not comprehensive health insurance, but since you guys compare plans all day, I wanted to get your thoughts.

One question in particular that I have about the plan is--if someone drops COBRA or active, comprehensive group coverage in favor of this plan--and then in a year they decide to get more comprehensive insurance policy, will they be considered to have had a 60 day or greater lapse in coverage, or can this kind of policy act as a bridge and be considered continuing coverage to keep them from having a pre-existing condition exclusion in that new policy?

Also, in terms of price and benefits, are there better non-union and non-group plans out there than this? Do you have any info about the company Flex Shield? And lastly, if the plan terminates you (they don;t give term reasons in this piece) you won't have access to COBRA since it's not an employer/employee relationship, right? So...what happens to someone with cancer or other illness in that situation?

I will be blogging about this and, if you want me to use your direct quote or link to your website in the blog post, let me know--without your permission I'll not quote you directly.

healthagent · 11-18-2009, 02:22 PM

Page 9 of the PDF says it all and I doubt this qualifies as creditable coverage. And yes, if you pick up this plan then drop it you're no longer eligible for COBRA.

Y.L. Prinzel · 11-18-2009, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by healthagent

Page 9 of the PDF says it all and I doubt this qualifies as creditable coverage. And yes, if you pick up this plan then drop it you're no longer eligible for COBRA.

Thank you--do you know of any similar plans that are similar in price/benefit?

YouGotMyMoney · 11-18-2009, 05:22 PM

I know NationalBrokerage offers a limited benefit plan to agents.

Y.L. Prinzel · 11-18-2009, 05:58 PM

This would be for freelance writers, but thank you

I'm hoping to write the post on Friday and would love any more input you have.

arnguy · 11-18-2009, 07:31 PM

Y.L., what type of license is required to be a finance writer?

Y.L. Prinzel · 11-18-2009, 07:50 PM

No licenses are required, although I do have a 7, 66 and 2-15. Why do you ask?

arnguy · 11-19-2009, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Y.L. Prinzel

No licenses are required, although I do have a 7, 66 and 2-15. Why do you ask?

I asked because I never heard of a Licensed Financial Writer. I am a person who has a lot of curiosity----always interested in learning new things even if the information may seem trivial and useless.

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 11-19-2009, 02:13 PM

"even if the information may seem trivial and useless"

That sounds like my Association.

arnguy · 11-19-2009, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by CHUMPS FROM OXFORD

"even if the information may seem trivial and useless"

That sounds like my Association.

Then by gosh, Ed, I should sign up. How does one do that?

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 11-19-2009, 02:28 PM

Well...I'm glad you asked! The link is below.

Monthly dues of $229 have been reduced to $179 for anybody that signs up before Dec. 1.

Use Coupon Code "America."

http://groups.google.com/group/top-i...t-agents?hl=en

Y.L. Prinzel · 11-19-2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by arnguy

I asked because I never heard of a Licensed Financial Writer. I am a person who has a lot of curiosity----always interested in learning new things even if the information may seem trivial and useless.

I would never assume that anything written in this forum was trivial and useless

Any more input on limited benefit plans qualifying as creditable coverage? Also, I may be licensed but I'm not an active health agent so I have no idea how this plan (cost/benefits) would compare to others like it or comprehensive insurance plans--would love to give the readers an idea. Any thoughts?

ABC · 11-19-2009, 03:13 PM

This plan is not a qualified health insurance product.

arnguy · 11-19-2009, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Y.L. Prinzel

I would never assume that anything written in this forum was trivial and useless

....

Y.L., I was not referring just to this forum, but the world in general.

BTW, IMHO I believe it best to stay away from limited benefit health plans.

Y.L. Prinzel · 11-20-2009, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by arnguy

Y.L., I was not referring just to this forum, but the world in general.

You must be a monster Trivial Pursuit player

Thanks everyone for your input

arnguy · 11-20-2009, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Y.L. Prinzel

You must be a monster Trivial Pursuit player

Thanks everyone for your input

I really do great on Jeopardy watching the show at home, but I don't think I would fare quite as well under pressure in the studio setting.

johndale · 01-17-2010, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by Y.L. Prinzel

This would be for freelance writers, but thank you

I'm hoping to write the post on Friday and would love any more input you have.

Now I'm interested to become a freelance writer. Something to pursue this year for the sake of benefits.