Likelihood of large medical expense

[Peter]

My late wife's cancer treatment came to over $1MM. And that was in 1997.

[harllee]

Before ACA DH had a very hard time finding any kind of health insurance due to a preexisting condition. He had to go on the state high risk plan, it was the only one that would take him. It had a lifetime cap of $1 million and we were constantly afraid that he would hit the cap someday, DH lost sleep over it. We felt like insurance with a 1 million cap was not real insurance. We were so glad when the ACA came along and DH was able to get real insurance. I would never take a policy with a $1 million cap if there were any alternative.

[camfused]

Ok, y'all have some good arguments against faith based plans. So, what should a plan B be, if for some reason ACA goes away? I think I might be able to get on with ACM (Association of Computing Machinery, an industry association that has health care plans), if needed (but probably expensive).

I always try to have a plan B.

Edit: Never mind, i'll just follow the other ACA thread on that thought.

Edit edit: Wait, that thread was closed.

[ivinsfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by camfused Ok, y'all have some good arguments against faith based plans. So, what should a plan B be, if for some reason ACA goes away? I think I might be able to get on with ACM (Association of Computing Machinery, an industry association that has health care plans), if needed (but probably expensive). I always try to have a plan B. Edit: Never mind, i'll just follow the other ACA thread on that thought. Edit edit: Wait, that thread was closed.

Well you need to be able to think on your feet and stay informed. If ACA goes away you won't be the only person looking for insurance. if you have some money and stay informed that's half the battle.

A professional association such as you mentioned could be option. Or going back to work ...

Despite the trashing here of faith based plans if the choice is no ACA (or nothing) or a faith based plan, it seems easy. Only in the event there is no ACA...

[MRG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerides More than 20 years ago I developed gall stones, went for a routine gall bladder removal - an outpatient surgery, a few grand in costs. A single "slip" by the surgeon left me in hospital for 7 weeks with numerous other procedures, surgeries, etc, and a bill close to a half mill. In today's dollars it would likely exceed 1M. One of the greatest "un-sung" benefits of the ACA law is the removal of limits on lifetime caps. I would never gamble with coverage limits to save a few bucks.

Wow. Glad you are ok, now.

A former co-worker/mentor had a similar experience and spent 6 months in the hospital. After fifteen years he passed from the opioid addiction he picked up in the hospital.

[Aerides]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRG Wow. Glad you are ok, now. A former co-worker/mentor had a similar experience and spent 6 months in the hospital. After fifteen years he passed from the opioid addiction he picked up in the hospital.

Thanks. Yes the docs warned me I'd be addicted and need help with withdrawal when I was still on round-the-clock pain meds... so I slowly self-weened while I heeled, and luckily never had an issue.

The only "good" part? I quit smoking during all that.