MOMania

By brilliant !

January 8, 2009 7:35 AM | Link to this

favorites, new york times, search, highlight, copy, paste, bolden a couple questions, oh, yea, change color of some of it. dont worry about editing (Would this encourage young adults not to take responsibility themselves), submit, go back to couch.

By Theresa

January 8, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this

Brilliant — First off blogs are often, and acceptably, based on commenting on news events — hence you must refer to news stories. Also if you look to the left at the list of recent entries, 11 of the last 15 entries have NOT been based on other news stories. So I think your complaint is completely unfounded.

By lakerat

January 8, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

It seems to me that insurance companies are biting the hand that feeds them whan they mandate that children must be removed from their parents coverage once they reach age 23 - even if they are still in school (college, post grad, med school, etc.). I realize this varies from insurer to insurer, yet the majority of health care carriers mandate this.

The problem is that ages 23 - 33 carry a far less risk of major illness than those younger or older; hence, the insurer is losing out on premium dollars that are not spent, thus lowering their bottom line earnings.

So, I quess you can tell I am in favor of being able to carry my kids on our family policy until they are employed and have access to coverage on their own - especially if they are unemployed right out of college and unable to find work that provides medical coverage as one of its benefits.

I am fortunate that my med school son was able to get coverage through his school for him at age 23, and it is even with the same carrier that I had him on through my employer’s family policy. It is a high deductible policy, yet we have always tried to manage risk in this manner, so it is good for him and us, by giving us peace of mind regarding catastrophic illness.

And, in my humble opinion, that is what insurance, in any form, should involve.

By motherjanegoose

January 8, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

Good point Lakerat. Most kids are covered through age 23 and if they are in college. Many premiums are for single, couple, family of 3 or more…thus it may not cost much for the parents to keep a child on their policy, if they still have another child at home.

It is true that many of these young adults would not even need the insurance and yet the peace of mind would be there for the parents as we know that children do not often see the same risks we know of.

I hear, from my son, that many of his peers at UGA are not feeling good about getting jobs ( due to the economy). He has been employed all the way and says he feels very lucky to like his job and that it is in his career field.

By jct

January 8, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

This is an interesting concept. I personally would not keep my step son on my insurance. He will be 18 in a few months. At this time he does not look like he will be attending school next fall. He will come of the insurance at his 19th birthday. We have already discussed this with him and have started looking at some High Deductible plans with him so that he may choose an acceptable plan when he comes off our insurance. We have already informed him that this will be part of his responsibility as a young adult.

Actually, I would like to see how the logistics of this ‘program’ with work. The IRS has defined a dependent very narrowly. So even if you are paying the ‘extra’ cost to keep the young adult on your insurance would be as a pre-tax or post-tax deduction. From the little that I have read this morning, it would have to be a post-tax deduction due to the way the IRS defines dependent. So it is another way for parents to helicopter around their young adults not helping them make good life choices.

These types of programs sound real nice in speeches and maybe in a news article but what are we doing? Why are we trying to turn the 20’s into extended teen years? I moved out when I was 18 years old. For years I have a catastrophic plan that cost less than $100 per year. I used wellness clinics for annual checkups. I was not dependent on my parents to make sure that I was well. I could ask for guidance and assistance in trying to figure what type of plans to pay for but that was it.

I work in an industry where I am surrounded by young adults. It is amazing the things that parents don’t speak to young adults about – budgeting, health care costs, how to find suitable housing, etc. We just pay for our young adults ‘stuff.’ Many of the young adults that I work with and around still receive money from their parents. Cut the cord… Let them grow up… Let them eat Ramen Noodles if they choose the buy the big screen TV instead of buying food… Greed is not good.

Okay, I will step of the soap box and put it away. That is just my two cents. I am sure that most people won’t see this the way that I do.

By Ron

January 8, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

I think the fair and equitable way to handle this would to be to allow them to be continued on the policy until about 25 or so . They should be assessed the additional rate for single coverage only (Of course w/o maternity benefits.

By jg

January 8, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

Thankfully my son’s father works for the government and they have tremendous insurance - he is 20, not in school until the spring and is on medication for a generic condition - if it was not for the ex’s insurance we would be out 15K a year or my son would be down at the Medicaid office…..

I vote yes!

By motherjanegoose

January 8, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this

jct…you are making excellent points that many parents do not want to hear. Your 4th paragraph rings so true!

I am not the popular mom and there are many ( even on this blog) who disagree with me but my children have worked ever since they were able to have a part time job.

They also know how to budget their money. Were they good at it right away…NO! Did they have to learn….yes! did I go through it myself when I worked at Wal Mart 30 years ago…( as the folks from Minnesota say) YOUBETCHA!

Before school this year, I took my daughter and a friend to shop. She had two $100 bills in her wallet. Her friend was wide eyed and asked, “where did you get that?” My daughter, “I earned it…”

By Brooke

January 8, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

HI All, First of all, thanks to everyone who responded to my off topic question the other day… Now This is my real first time posting, so try not to yell at me :) … I don’t have any kids yet, but in the future I will, but the more I think about it, this tpoic is close to home. I don’t think that once you graduate you should be on your parent’s insurance. When I was in college I was taken off when I was 19 because I had coverage (better) in school, but I think that kids now expect everything to be handed to them, cry scream until they get what they want. If I acted that way I could be rest assured not only was I not getting what I wanted, but I was running the risk of being grounded… Anyway thats just my thoughts…

By glm

January 8, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

To all of you who think helping your adult children is a bad thing: Apparently none of you enjoy the benefits of extended family cohabitation. I am a single mom and have been through all my 29 year old daughter’s life. I helped her through college where she completed 2 degrees and is now an Archeologist/Anthropologist/Photographer. She has applied for grad school and I will happily help her in any way I can.
She still lives with me and we are like roommates. I pay the majority of the bills but she doesn’t make nearly as much as I do and she pays her own personal bills. I always encouraged her to find a career that she was passionate about and not to focus on money as the be all and end all of her life. That’s what I had to do and I wanted better for her. Our society’s obsession with wealth and the fracture of family cohesiveness has not improved our lives but only made us desperate and depressed. Many of my daughter’s friends were ‘kicked out’ by their parent’s when they turned 18 and none of them have good relationships. I ask ‘what is the big rush?’ Unless you hate each other or there is no room for all of you, why must they leave if they’re not ready to? I’m not saying I encourage the ‘couch potato’ syndrome at all - all family members must contribute in some way. Why pay rent or mortgage on two places when we can live together and spend the money on something better?

By Mil Mom

January 8, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

This is a good topic, it wasn’t too many years ago my father and I were faced with this same question. After high school, I went to college full time, and also had a full time job (I was doing this in high school also). My employer had insurance, however it was not a good plan, it was outrageously expensive, especially for retail and we all know that for the most part retail doesn’t pay very well. Well, long story short, as soon as I turned 19 I was booted off the insurance, per the insurance company. Not so long afterwards, I ended up in the hospital for some major woman related issues (not pregnancy related) and had over $3,000 in medical bills between hospital stay. lab work, etc etc. and that was with the “cash payment discount.” I had the same issue in my younger teen years with isurance my dad paid $75. How on earth would a young adult be able to keep up their current work/school schedule and be able to pay off such a bill. I’m not sure, I lucked out. The hospital violated a major HIPPA law and sent my bill to my mother, who I didn’t even know was living in the same area. Anyways, the hospital settled my bill so I wouldn’t sue(which I wouldn’t have been able to afford either). Luckily right after I finished my 2 year degree in less than a year I joined the Army. Health insurance for my daughter is pretty much the only reason I’m staying in, you can’t beat the benifits. No worries about co-pays, prescrptions, referrals for specialist, no paper work. It awesome, especially since she was born with a birth defect and will need major surgery every few years. SO Yes, absolutly it is a good idea, tho If the the kid is able they could help pay for their shared or at least the co-pays and what not. Sorry for the long post.

By lynn

January 8, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

jct - Although your points ring true, take into consideration how many young people that have pre-existing conditions that would limit them from acquiring any type of plan other than group insurance, which of course would mean having a job with a company that provides benifits and we all know how scarce those are now a days. I’m an agent - I see it everyday and it’s not easy to tell a mom her insurance won’t cover her son/daughter’s insulin any longer.

By Mil Mom

January 8, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

This is a good topic, it wasn’t too many years ago my father and I were faced with this same question. After high school, I went to college full time, and also had a full time job (I was doing this in high school also). My employer had insurance, however it was not a good plan, it was outrageously expensive, especially for retail and we all know that for the most part retail doesn’t pay very well. Well, long story short, as soon as I turned 19 I was booted off the insurance, per the insurance company. Not so long afterwards, I ended up in the hospital for some major woman related issues (not pregnancy related) and had over $3,000 in medical bills between hospital stay. lab work, etc etc. and that was with the “cash payment discount.” I had the same issue in my younger teen years with isurance my dad paid $75. How on earth would a young adult be able to keep up their current work/school schedule and be able to pay off such a bill. I’m not sure, I lucked out. The hospital violated a major HIPPA law and sent my bill to my mother, who I didn’t even know was living in the same area. Anyways, the hospital settled my bill so I wouldn’t sue(which I wouldn’t have been able to afford either). Luckily right after I finished my 2 year degree in less than a year I joined the Army. Health insurance for my daughter is pretty much the only reason I’m staying in, you can’t beat the benifits. No worries about co-pays, prescrptions, referrals for specialist, no paper work. It awesome, especially since she was born with a birth defect and will need major surgery every few years. SO Yes, absolutly it is a good idea, tho If the the kid is able they could help pay for their shared or at least the co-pays and what not. Sorry for the long post.

By b

January 8, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

I think this is a great idea; with so many people out of work and already taxing the healthcare system being able to keep your children on your policy for a couple more years is worth it. I would expect my children to pay their portion, just like they do for our car insurance, but the piece of mind knowing that they are covered in case of accident or illness is priceless. Do you really want your child to avoid taking medication, going to the doctor when sick, or worse, being struck by a serious illness and having no way to pay at $20K hospital bill?

I certainly would expect my children to find a job with insurance as quickly as possible, but in this economic environment having the safety net of insurance is important.

Would that we could do something for the millions of families who no longer have insurance because of job losses. The crushing debt incurred from illnesses when no insurance is available is staggering. This country needs a complete overhaul of healthcare but until then, helping single, twenty-somethings is prudent.

By George Gipp

January 8, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

lakerat, either that’s the most intellegent post I’ve ever read, or it’s just that I feel exactly the same.

I also have 20 something children, one in med school. I also am in the insurance business and agree you are exactly correct with the statement, “The problem is that ages 23 - 33 carry a far less risk of major illness than those younger or older; hence, the insurer is losing out on premium dollars that are not spent, thus lowering their bottom line earnings.”

You nailed it!

By RJ

January 8, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

I was taken off my parents insurance at 23. I got pregnant a few months later. I was in my last year of school, so I decided to get medicaid. Before you scream, I had a full time job which paid me $6 an hour. I brought home roughly $345 a week. It was tough but I survived. I got married a few months after my son was born and we’re still together are 15 years. Once we were married, I went on my hubby’s plan. Now, I rarely ever got sick, and when I did, rarely went to the doctor at that age, but if I had, I certainly would’ve needed coverage. I say…YES!

By Ruth

January 8, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

I’m in favor of keeping my kids on my insurance until they’ve finished their education - and with grad school, that may extend to the mid-twenties. This would include time taken off to work, reflect, etc. when they may not actually be taking classes. Why? Because if they do have a catastrophic illness or injury, I’m going to be the one paying their bills.

By lynn

January 8, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

Ruth - and you nailed it as well “I’m going to be the one paying thier bills”. Insurance is as much to the parents benifit as the childs.

By JJ

January 8, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

As long as my child is in school, and living under my roof, I will carry her on my insurance.

Once she gets a job and they offer insurance, then she is off.

However, my company pays 100% of our insurance for the ENTIRE family.

By Nick Perry

January 8, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

As an independent insurance agent, I love the fact that young men and women can stay on their parents’ insurance until they reach anywhere from 23-26, depending on the carrier.

Often times, my clients will pay a little extra to go with a plan that will allow them to keep their child on their family coverage longer just for that added level of protection. In my experience, it’s widely popular to keep the family all together like this.

Additionally, there are a lot of comments posted to this article about being dissatisfied with employer benefits. Always remember, you can elect to opt out of most employer plans and purchase your own independent policy. Many times, employers will reimburse a portion of your premiums if you ask, and you can end up with coverage you really like and are personally invested in.

By Mattie

January 8, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

My 23 yr.old is a college graduate, taking a year off before med school, and is still on our policy. We were never told that he would be dropped after he graduated, and the premiums are the same after the first 3 family members. He does have very good coverage through his job though, and if he gets sick I told him to file through his policy first.

On a related note, my youngest had outpatient surgery last week. The bills are starting to pour in. There was a $14,500 bill for “hospital incidentals” Huh? I’m assuming that was the pillow, booties, and reusable gown. I know this will all be covered at a much lower rate through insurance, but if we didn’t have coverage, would we have to pay at these outrageous rates?

By emjay

January 8, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

This proposal would certainly have helped my family while I finished my education. I was enrolled in graduate school until just after my 25th birthday, but my dad’s insurance cut me off at the age of 22 when I finished undergrad degree. We then had to add the full cost of my own health insurance policy to the cost of my grad school education, whereas if I could have stayed on his plan it would have made paying tuition and school expenses a lot easier. Thankfully I didn’t have to use my health insurance (which carried high deductibles and co-pays along with the high premium), but to me my health is too important to take the risk of not having some kind of insurance to help in case of (God forbid) emergency or serious illness.

By Yes Yes Yes

January 8, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

YES YES YES!!! If insurance would have allowed my sister to stay on my parent’s policy then she would have had insurance when she went into the ICU for a week from an unknown allergic reaction! She is in school part-time and works full-time for a preschool but they don’t offer her insurance until the 1st year. Now she has lots of medical bills on top of it.

By HAF

January 8, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

Come-on Theresa—-When are you doing your sex talk for the week? :)

By Squeezie

January 8, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

I wholeheartedly agree. I was diagnosed as diabetic 10 days before I graduated college in December of 2007. Though I’ve been able to find steady work through a temp agency, I get no insurance and pay everything out of pocket. The only way I am able to keep going is Wal-Mart’s $4 generic perscriptions and saving a little each paycheck for doctors appointments. However, it would be great to have stayed on insurance to help out with $65+ labs.

By Other Lynn

January 8, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this

There are many options for young adults. A low premium, high deductible policy would protect in catastrophic cases. At what age do we consider our children adults with their own responsibilities? 30? 40? This is an example of a lack of personal responsibility and a need for parent and child to prepare and look at reality.

By Pam

January 8, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

I agree with Ruth. The reason we carry a health insurance policy on my son is to protect us as much as him. Hopefully, he will someday be in a job that provides good insurance, but those jobs are becoming rare. Until then, we will pay for coverage. He is in school and works part time. He knows we expect him to support himself as soon as he completes school. It is a fine line to walk between providing needed support and over-indulging them. Each family must find that balance for themselves. We are able to financially do this at this time and it gives us peace of mind.

By me

January 8, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

If a homosexual couple can live together and be insured under the domestic partner act, then why can’t parents contine to insure their children.

By David S

January 8, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

This is not the question that should be asked. The right question is WHY IS ANYONE’S HEALTH INSURANCE TIED TO THEIR EMPLOYER AND WHY DONT WE DEMAND OUR GOVERNMENT FIX THIS SITUATION???

First its “portability” then its “pre-exisitng conditions” then its “but they’re still in college” now its beyond college. Every law that gets passed to force businesses to cover yet another group would be unnecessary if everyone just had their own insurance without any tie to their employer.

As always government is at the root of the problem. In the 1960’s as a way of getting around unconstitutional and immoral wage and price controls, government allowed employers to offer “benefits” that would not count against the incomes that were being “fixed.” Then they allowed only the employers to deduct the costs of insurance on taxes but never extended that same benefit to you and I. Businesses loved the idea and so did the insurance industry. Most people knew better then to waste their money on insurance since most medical costs were relatively affordable, so this meant a vast increase in third party payers (the main source of increased medical costs in this country over the last 4 decades - well, along with Medicare). Employers loved it because they could now get around the wage controls and now “tie” their employees to them better, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Plus the tax breaks.

We have been on a downhill slide ever since. Costs up, medical freedom down, personal health responsibility down, wages down, employment rates impacted as costs rise, etc.

Now you want to force businesses to pay out even more money to cover even more folks and make the problems even worse. If you want to look at a time in this country when medicine was affordable and doctor’s responsive to patient needs, you only need to go back to a time when the only medical insurance people had was for the catastrophy, not the checkup. They say that when you want to get out of a whole, the first thing you do is stop digging. This proposal is just digging deeper.

By MrLiberty

January 8, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

By what moral justification do you force a company to pay the costs of someone they would not voluntarily cover on their own? By what moral justification do you impact the potential continued employment of non-eligible parents at that same company as costs rise in response to this new requirement? And what about those who would be impacted by jobs that will never materialize?

Wishing something into existence isn’t the same as dealing with the economic consequences that reality deals up. There have already been significant financial consequences associated with forcing employers to cover college students, non-married couples, and even the costs of the family leave act. Do we believe in freedom or force? Yes, this is a MORAL question.

By Penguinmom

January 8, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this

If the proposal is to allow the option for the parents to personally pay for the students to be on their insurance, then it sounds fine. Parents and students could then choose whether they wanted to take advantage of the option or not.

If the proposal is to mandate that employers provide coverage for these additional years then it is a terrible idea!

It could then result in ‘unintended consequence’ of more employers dropping health coverage all together.

By That was Me

January 8, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

That was me three years ago. I was dropped off my parents insurance at age 22 when I graduated from college. The type of work I was interested in required a Masters degree. Throughout graduate school, I had no insurance. I couldn’t afford it as I was trying to cover tuition, housing, etc on my own. I went uninsured for two years and was terrified the entire time. One accident during that period, and I would have been in debt for years trying to pay off the bills. I got a job right after grad school with great benefits and about a month after I started work, broke my arm and had to have two surgeries. I count my blessings everyday that happened after I had insurance. I say YES to the propsed age increase. Absolutely.

By concerned

January 8, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

There are some pro’s and con’s to this question. Many of you have shared your views. This same question should be posed life insurance. there is an increase adults in this age and older without life insurance. This is why Funeral Homes want to educate the community on Pre-needs for those who have insurance as well as for those who do not. Over the last two years, peopl have lost there coverage of any kind due to lay offs and outsourcing of jobs. With the economy the way it is, we all can end up in this category. What will be the plan for us as well. have a great day today!

By yes please

January 8, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

I am recent college grad, 22 years old, and have just been kicked off my parents insurance policy.

My main concern is finding a job right now, but I do think (especially in these times) that people in my situation should be granted extensions. I’d like to know that I won’t bankrupt my parents if I get in a car accident.

I AM a responsible 22 year old and I am continuously on the hunt for a job. I think I deserve to at least be covered during this time.

I see no other option.

Anyone hiring recent B.B.A. graduates?!

By Whoa, David S

January 8, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

Why should we demand that goernment provide insurance? You work, you get sick, you pay for it. Our taxes, yours and mine, go to enough stuff - take a little responsibilty for YOUR life, don’t ask someone else to do it for you!

Hey, Concerned -

You are WAY off track trying to equate health care coverage with life insurance! All funeral homes who do that “educating” want to do is to get you to pre-pay and then hope you or your family forgets about the coverage - or in the alternative, jack up their costs since they KNOW that you have coverage. Did you know that they are trained sales people and prey on the grieving in order to sell a $200 casket for $7500, because, “don’t you want the best for your loved one”?

By Other Lynn

January 8, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Yes please:you do have options. Take COBRA coverage if your parent’s employer has more than 20 employees. Look into a less expensive high deductible policy to cover you if something catastrophic happens. I assume you are continuing your car insurance during this time, you have the responsibility and options to obtain health insurance.

By Dan

January 8, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

yes please (and not just you many others on here) Why do you “deserve” the benefit of someone elses hard work?? I am sure you consider yourself an adult in most other areas driving, voting sharing your opinion. If someone was deny you entry to a bar or restaurant you would probably be indignant. If you want to be treated like an adult act like one, affordability? Its a matter of choice, get smaller apt or a roomate, how bout the basic cable package??? or no cable. You worry about a car accident trade it in and get a cheaper smaller one and use the gain to buy insurance, but no its easier to whine and complain that someone else should pay your way. Tell ya what lets propose children can stay on the parent insurance provided they give up the right to vote until they can fend for themselves. Ah the Poor Me generation

By reservoirDAWG

January 8, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

If 100% of the cost falls on the family and not the company or the state I don’t see a problem with it.

By Mr.. Liberty...

January 8, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Nobody is “forcing” anyone to do anything. The cost of the “extra” coverage would be passed along in the process of increased premium. That is not a moral question, but a business question. More premium for same coverage.

I believe the question was, IF WE HAD THE OPTION, would we want to be able to make that choice? Get your boxers unbunched - this ain’t rocket science!

By lady J

January 8, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

I have 2 20 somethings and they are working but both are uninsured. I currently pay a premium to cover myself and my children but only 1 child is able to use the benefits. I say YES to the proposed benefit.

By Dan

January 8, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Mr Liberty normally you are quite cogent, and if a company chooses to purchase purchase that is fine and perhaps admirable if it is a wise business decesion but if government is involved and is mandating the rules than someone is being forced to do something they would not normally due. All that aside what really chaps my butt is people claiming they deserve something they haven’t earned. That is the problem with any type of give away, it soon becomes expected

By Gina

January 8, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

I am in this situation right now and I would be willing to pay extra on my insurance for my child while he can get a job that supplies insurance for him. I think it is very important, it really should not be an option depending on situations and also look at the economy and unemployment.

By Couvade

January 8, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

I’m with David S. The goal should be ensuring that everyone has access to health insurance. Then parents wouldn’t have to worry about going bankrupt if tragedy struck their kids at any age.

By yes please

January 8, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

Cobra (and other options ) are ridiculously expensive (bc the responsible person that I am has already researched all my options). I live at home so..I have no expenses (if I could afford to pay bills and expenses…I would have my own insurance). And I take all responsibility for myself. Believe me, my parents would LOVE for me to still be on their insurance. They would not think for one second that I was profiting off of their hard work. They are my PARENTS.

So yeah, I went to college, got a degree, and now i’m constantly searching for a job. I sure as hell do believe I DESERVE to be on insurance.

Dan. Poor Me? Yes…it is unfortunate that the job market is so bad. It’s all my fault that I can’t get a job.Unless you’ve had the exact same experience as MY generation…save it. You obviously have a skewed idea about todays young generation.

By Mack

January 8, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

I have no dependents for my medical in a company where the single supplement is almost as expensive as the family.

When I was in college, I had to meet all the requirements of staying on insurance. Once I graduated, I decided to pursue my masters - and made the decision AFTER investigating what it would cost to get my medical insurance! Through combinations of jobs and college medical insurance (expensive but necessary), I managed to be covered. It sometimes meant that I couldn’t take the beach trip or ski trip with my friends - but at least I knew I was covered.

I am now almost 40 and have not needed my insurance for anything other than a yearly co-pay but I have known I was covered if needed.

Why should we expect that insurance be provided? What happened to some personal accountability?

By Mack

January 8, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

I have no dependents for my medical in a company where the single supplement is almost as expensive as the family.

When I was in college, I had to meet all the requirements of staying on insurance. Once I graduated, I decided to pursue my masters - and made the decision AFTER investigating what it would cost to get my medical insurance! Through combinations of jobs and college medical insurance (expensive but necessary), I managed to be covered. It sometimes meant that I couldn’t take the beach trip or ski trip with my friends - but at least I knew I was covered.

I am now almost 40 and have not needed my insurance for anything other than a yearly co-pay but I have known I was covered if needed.

Why should we expect that insurance be provided? What happened to some personal accountability?

By yes please

January 8, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

Cobra (and other options ) are ridiculously expensive (bc the responsible person that I am has already researched all my options). I live at home so..I have no expenses (if I could afford to pay bills and expenses…I would have my own insurance). And I take all responsibility for myself. Believe me, my parents would LOVE for me to still be on their insurance. They would not think for one second that I was profiting off of their hard work. They are my PARENTS.

So yeah, I went to college, got a degree, and now i’m constantly searching for a job. I sure as hell do believe I DESERVE to be on insurance.

Dan. Poor Me? Yes…it is unfortunate that the job market is so bad. It’s all my fault that I can’t get a job.Unless you’ve had the exact same experience as MY generation…save it. You obviously have a skewed idea about todays young generation.

By Class of 1975

January 8, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

yes please —

News reports say that this job market is the worst since, well, yeah they said it - 1975! I graduated from college that year, so, dear, I HAVE had the exact same experience as YOUR generation, so shut the hell up and get on with your life and quit your biatchin’ and moanin’. Life ain’t fair, and I never promised you a rose garden. No wonder you cannot find a job with that attitude! But, good luck with your job search! I made it (sort of) and so can you - I think!

By DB

January 8, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Wow, there have been a lot of really good comments on this topic!

As a self-employed person, my health insurance has ALWAYS been my responsibility. sigh It’s always been irritating that we can’t deduct them like a “real business”, but as a small business, we can’t. Doesn’t matter — we HAVE to have health insurance. We’re healthy, we have a high deductible, and basically, it’s in case we’re hit with a catastrophic illness or accident.

Insurance and health care costs are much different for young people now than it was for us in the 70s and early 80s, where employer benefits were the norm. They aren’t practically guaranteed insurance with their first employer like we were. As their parents, who are often better situated financially, I’d rather them have SOME form of insurance, even if it’s under my auspices, than just cut them off and say, “Go forth and find insurance.” Very few kids out of college with no insurance could afford an illness or accident. Heck, even just follow-up for my son’s minor knee injury ended up costing us $3,500 this summer — it was a preexisting condition, not covered by our insurance, and between an MRI, a few xrays and two doctor’s visits (at $450 a shot) — there’s no way the kid could have afforded that.

I also agree with the poster who commented that having insurance tied to employers is DUMB.

By Non_poor_me'er

January 8, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

I’ve paid my own way since turning 18 and that includes college and insurance. Today’s kids need to grow up in high school so that they will be able to take care of themselves once they turn 18 and today’s parents need to LET or MAKE them. Quit petting them and treating them like they are still under 5 until they are unable to take care of themselves at all. I know people who have 30+ year old adult children still dependent upon them to help them pay bills and raise the children they have spawned. We need to realize that these adult babies are going to be in charge of the world soon.

By Michelle

January 8, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

There are definitely some interesting views on here! Instead of going to a “real” college after high school, I decided to go to a “professional” school and earned a degree in medical assisting. I moved out right after high school and maintained my parents insurance until I turned 18, at which time I got my own through my employer! I’ve been out of school awhile and am now about to encounter a similar situation myself. My step-children are in high and should be graduating within the next year or so. Personally, I don’t mind providing the insurance IF and only IF they are enrolled in college or trade school of some sort. They must be making an active effort to grow up and become an adult. If they choose to move out, get an apartment and mooch money for food…too bad! If they want to be an adult, act like one! I do think it would be nice if there was an “option” to keep the kids on until school is completed, and perhaps just a few months after to allow them to find a job. I think if the parents are willing to pay the “extra” costs that could be associated, it should be their choice. I don’t think the kids should automatically be cut from the insurance just because of age.

By jct

January 8, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

@Lynn

My step son has a pre-existing condition. He takes medication that costs $300 per month without insurance.

This is why we are working with him now so he understands what the costs are and what his choice of not continuing with education with cost him.

As long as he is a dependent, he will be on our insurance. After that he is on his own.

Have any of you been working with your doctors to pay cash? I have two doctors that I pay cash. One doctor would charge the insurance company $117 for the visit but when I pay cash it is $59. The other would charge the insurance $100 but charges me $35 when I pay cash.

I do this because one - the doctor gets paid faster and two - they don’t have to have as much back office staff to complete all insurance requirements.

I got really sick a few years ago and I got even more sick and tired of dealing with the insurance company. I decided that I need to be more proactive with health care. Insurance has made us ‘generally speaking’ lazy. Find out the actual costs. Prior to surgery, find out the actual cost and tell the hospital if you pay cash how much will it cost. You can negotiate the charge if you do it up front. We all need to be more proactive with healthcare.

I completely agree that healthcare should not be tied to the employer. It makes us sheep…bah…

By Dan

January 8, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Yes Please, Seriously, I am not trying to start an argument, what makes you think you deserve insurance? and if that is indeed true who do you think has the responsibility to pay for it?
and we all have skewed ideas about just about everything the difference is older generations have at least seen more than one version, I am just voicing my observations hey I didn’t say their were no slackers when I graduated, they just didn’t seem to have their hand out quite as much

By Tiffany

January 8, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

YES YES YES! My daughter is a college student. She is 20 years old, and has not been insured since she was 19. This is a scary situation to worry about paying a hospital bill for her should the need arise. We NEED something like this!

By Dana

January 9, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

My daughter is 27, and a single mother. She works two part time jobs and is not eligible for insurance at either employer. I would LOVE to put her and her son back on my insurance! There is no way she can afford an individual policy, and PeachCare is a joke. (YOU try to find a doc and a dentist who take it!)

By unknown

January 9, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

I am 29 years old. I cannot imagine being on my mom’s health insurance. That is pure laziness. I graduated college at age 21. I went four SCARY months working a few days a week for a temp agency, and was without insurance—-until I finally landed a full time job with insurance. So I have empathy. However, at what point do we CUT THE CORD? Get some responsibility, and strive to get a job that will provide adequate health insurance. I majored in accounting, where I knew I’d always be employable—Although I wanted to major in history, I live in the real world and realized these things ahead of time.

By Brooke

January 9, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Well Said Unknown… I too am an accountant and while I worry about the job market, I feel Somewhat stable. After I graduated I did not have ins either… and yes it was scary as hell to think if something happened I was out of luck….

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January 9, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

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By zoe

January 9, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

The state charges a premium if a state employee chooses to cover a spouse that can obtain insurance through his/her own job. I wanted to keep the family on one policy, so I pay the extra money a month. A lot of these 20 somethings are offered insurance through work and choose not to take it. If they are offered it, they should be allowed the chance to be on a parent’s policy.

By Topic Idea

January 9, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

When did 22 become the age to get kicked off the parents insurance? When I was on my dad’s insurance, I was covered until 25 if I was still in school and the insurance I have now the limit is 24 I beleive.

I think insurance should allow a 20 something to remain on the policy if there are in school and/or they unable to fend for themselves because of mental and/or physical handicaps. And after that…cya get your own insurance.

By Jennifer

January 9, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

Peachcare is a Godsend to those who qualify. However, a kid is kicked off when they turn 19 years old. Then where do they turn?

By Davona

January 9, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Until the “child” is employed, yes, even in their twenties, they should be able to remain on the parents’ insurance program. Of course, they need to be at least half-time student.

By Davona

January 9, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Until the “child” is employed, yes, even in their twenties, they should be able to remain on the parents’ insurance program. Of course, they need to be at least half-time student.

By motherjanegoose

January 9, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

Dana, respectfully, when you make a choice to be a mother ( and you do…either with or without a clear head) , I do not think your own mother should have to cover your insurance. I am not sure we are talking about covering our grandchildren here, just children…perhaps some of the rest of you see it differently?