Retire in Michigan... Blue Cross and Blue Shield

[TallCotton]

You might wonder why anyone would, and I ask myself the same question also, but I might... IF I can get health benefits.

The way I understand it, any legal resident of Michigan can get health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I mean no matter what their health status, age etc., and at regular group rates.

This is how I understand it. I need to know now if this is the real deal. I won't chance contacting them directly. I need to hear from someone who has direct experience with purchasing MI's BC&BS.

It's like there is a Michigan law that makes BC&BS have to do this. Is this the high risk pool that others I've seen here mention? What's this all about?

 

[REWahoo]

The way I understand it, any legal resident of Michigan can get health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I mean no matter what their health status, age etc., and at regular group rates.

Tall, here is a consumer guide to information on health insurance in Michigan:

http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/mi00.html

You will need to do your own research, but as I understand it you CAN get BC/BS coverage in Michigan regardless of your health status (see the above link). However, rates are "community" based and therefore are going to probably be sky high.

It's like there is a Michigan law that makes BC&BS have to do this. Is this the high risk pool that others I've seen here mention? What's this all about?

No, according to the link I pasted above, Michigan has no high risk pool. As in some other states, they chose to go another direction.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a Michigan resident, nor do I play one on TV. All I think I know about Michigan health insurance is what I read on the internet.

 

[farmerEd]

In Mass it works that way too. I buy it thru my (now mothballed) one-person corp, but its automatically approved, with no underwriting, and premium is set based on family size and age. Mine costs $750/month for a family of 6 with a $5K deductible (routine care is paid for w/out deductible applying, i.e. well child care, checkups routine tests etc).

Nice thing is I can cancel whenever I want, and stil be guaranteed re-issue when I need it...without underwriting. I didn't realize how nice that was until I relaized what a hard time some people in other states have.

This is before the new health care law took effect...I assume it is even easier now.

 

[TallCotton]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, it won't be cheap. As far as I can determine, about $650.00 per month for major medical for one person, no prescriptions.

I'm currently employed and my coverage is through my employer, but I do have an S corp registered in Nevada. I'm not sure I understand you, but are you saying there is some benefit here that I may be able to take advantage of?

I need every angle I can work here.

 

[farmerEd]

Not sure if it is an angle or not, but it is definitely easier and cheaper in Mass to buy a "group" policy thru a corp/business, even if you are the only one in the group.

Some states do not allow 1-person groups - so its worth checking into in Michigan both as an individual and as a business.

 

[mykidslovedogs]

Here's a little Blurb about Michigan insurance:
http://www.nahu.org/consumer/healthcare/topic.cfm?catID=22&state=MI