@meep(Help?)

[danaeris]

OK. My health care expires August 31st. I am working as an intern (and therefore not eligible for health insurance) until October 31st. After that, I may become fully employed and get benefits, but I may become self-employed and freelance/teach skating.

While I'm employed at SLAC, I can use their on site doctor/general practitioner. I'm also close to the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic.

Anyone have advice on indepedent health plans?
HMO vs. PPO vs. POS?
Temporary vs. Permanent given my situation?
I hear that if I become self-employed, I can get 'group coverage' of some sort. Does that mean for the intervening months I want temporary coverage?

This is all so confusing. I'm used to universal health care, damn it!

Comments

[trowa-barton.livejournal.com]

No HMO. You want the freedom to choose your own doctor. I have POS, and it seems to suit me well, especially when it comes to prescription medication. PPO is the most expensive. Like many things, health care is a trade-off between cost and service. The more expensive, the better service. I went down the middle with POS.

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

See, I am used to Canada. Which means that EVERYONE is part of the HMO/covered by it. And any general practitioner could refer me to a specialist. So I could go to any GP and get referred. If you look around you could find someone who would refer you to who you want. So it worked out fine. But I'm used to having to be referred. I can see where it would be much worse if the pool of doctors doesn't include everyone, and you have to pick ONE person for ALL of your referrals to go through.

:(

Re:

[trowa-barton.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the United States. You can't think Canadian anymore (unless you are a Due South fan). Either PPO or POS is probably the equivalent of Canada's HMO plan.

[merovingian.livejournal.com]

Um, here's my experience:

HMO: Cheaper (possibly much, much cheaper), but less quality. Good if the other choice is not having insurance.
PPO: More expensive. Being able to see a doctor of choice is very, very handy, but I've never actually developed a relationship with a doctor well enough that I'd really object to another doctor.

Free clinic fun

[inki.livejournal.com]

If you want to go to the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, call and make an
appointment 2 weeks in advance. They are booked solid all the time.

Welcome to the land of personal health decay. =)