Feeling overwhelmed...

[Alex201]

I know I have a tendancy to try and rush things...I am 18 and am trying to get the ball running. I have been sheltered all my life and the consequence is I don't know how to do anything. I need my own insurance to start T..I don't even know the first step to do that....and just until recently I didn't even know how to make a doctors appointment. I guess I'm just feeling stressed since obviously I will not be getting support from my parents...I have to do it all myself....and I don't even know what steps to take...I have been terribly sheltered.


Sorry just needed to vent.

[Robert Scott]

One step at a time ... life isn't a race to the finish....check out if there are any free clinic around you that you can go to....are you planning on going to school in the fall?  Schools will give you insurance if you go.  Getting a job with benfits is another way to get insurance.  You are also young and unemployed so you could try to get on state insurance.  Paying for your own insurance can be rather spendy.

[Sharky]

Are you covered by your parents insurance still? Because of privacy laws they will only know why your going to the doctors if you tell them. They will be able to see that you went though. Your parent's cant pick and chose what they let their insurance cover.

[xAndrewx]

Just take it one thing at a time man like Rob said. I was sheltered too when it came to stuff like that. I'd never had to make my own appointments or anything like that. Insurance.... had no clue what to do. Bluecross blueshield is who I was going to use but I ended up paying out of pocket instead because insurance won't always cover T cost or visits about it.

Just don't be afraid to sound confused or have to ask a lot of questions remember... everyone has to at some point so a lot of receptionists and insurance places are used to it.

[NightWing]

Are you covered by your parents insurance still? Because of privacy laws they will only know why your going to the doctors if you tell them. Your parent's cant pick and chose what they let their insurance cover.

But when parent's have to pay their monthly insurance fees (at least, that's how I think it works), then won't it increase because you've been using it?

Sorry, I'm in the same boat as Alex.  I'm having to go about this on my own and I don't know much either.

[Dominick_81]

I know how ya feel. I've been sheltered all my life too and my mom is not supportive either. I'm also unemployed and have no money coming in or else I'd be out on my own. It's hard living at home with parents who are unsupportive. It's frustrating as hell. Once your out on your own, it will be a lot easier. You won't have to deal with your parents and you can do whatever you want.

[Robert Scott]

But when parent's have to pay their monthly insurance fees (at least, that's how I think it works), then won't it increase because you've been using it?

Sorry, I'm in the same boat as Alex.  I'm having to go about this on my own and I don't know much either.

Health insurance works differently then car insurance...you don't get penalized for using it.  The rates stay the same.  Most folks get their insurance through their employer and the payment is taken out from the paycheck.

HIPPA (Health Insurance Personal Privacy Act) does protect you from your parents knowing why you went to the doctor unless you sign a waiver.  It is also extended to teenage kids who seek treatment for chemical depency, pregnancy & pregnancy prevention -- I believe it also extends to gender identity. 

[Sharky]

But when parent's have to pay their monthly insurance fees (at least, that's how I think it works), then won't it increase because you've been using it?

Sorry, I'm in the same boat as Alex.  I'm having to go about this on my own and I don't know much either.

I live at a different address than my parents and they send me a bill with what their insurance doesn't cover. I think my parents just get a statement saying I went on this date and how much was covered.

[LordKAT]

Lance,

check the policy, chances are it doesn't really cover much. scripts and some preventive care and that is about it. Possibly an emergency room visit which they will verify if it was an emergency or not. Medical insurance is very pricey.

[tekla]

Medical insurance is very pricey.

$67 to 400 a month for a single 18 year old women.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and at that it might not (at 67 a month I'll bet it won't) cover what you want it to.

These companies are not in business to lose money.

[LordKAT]

Medical insurance is very pricey.

$67 to 400 a month for a single 18 year old women.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and at that it might not (at 67 a month I'll bet it won't) cover what you want it to.

These companies are not in business to lose money.

That is cheap compared to what I was quoted by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The numbers I got were $650 to $1200+

[tekla]

I think for $67 they send a card to your funeral when you die for lack of medical attention.

[LordKAT]

I think for $67 they send a card to your funeral when you die for lack of medical attention.

might even have a few flowers for effect

[tekla]

But yeah, it is real expensive, and good health care really costs, and it tends to be reserved for people making real money.

[LordKAT]

The individual part is what makes it so expensive, group insurance is cheaper. Insurance through work is group insurance plus your employer often picks up a part of the tab. I guess the best thing to do would be to try for a job that has insurance as a benefit.

[tekla]

The basic idea behind insurance is pooled risk.