I am working, the company does offer insurance, however, I cannot afford $180 a month for insurance for my son and I.  I can actually, but goodness that's a lot of money.

Recently, I spoke to a rep with an outside ins company and was quoted prices depending on the room:

$30 room

$50 room

$70 room

$100 room

Thus, the premium differed according to each room.  This is only for hospitalization, emergency room, ambulatory, etc.  Not major medical.

So if I am in a $30 room vs. a $100 room, what exactly does that mean about the type of care me or my son will receive?

Thanks

BBec,

I would check with the hospital to get it on record but my guess is private, semi-private and after that, who knows?

I assume you're quoting your co-pay for the room rate as hospital rooms are hundreds of dollars night and ICU runs into the thousands.  As Dazed suggested, call the hospital and see if they'll give you the cost.  Be sure the hospital is on your provider list.

Also these days many procedures are done on an outpatient basis, so if you or your son have surgery scheduled, you need to be clear on whether it's in patient or outpatient...the costs will be different.

And dazed,

What the rep was saying for instance:

A $30 room for son and I would be say - $39 a month

A $50 room - $49 a month, etc.....

I don't have the paperwork she gave me to look over at hand so I'm not quoting exact cost.  It just seems awfully confusing.....kind of like dealing with a car saleman....ugh.

I guess I could call a hospital and ask, but would all be the same?  Here in the Houston area, if you don't have insurance, you're taken to Ben Taub.....which is known for the uninsured and is supposedly a hospital to avoid. 

As dazed suggested, it could be the privacy of a room, but a $30 room does seem cheap.  Just doesn't make much sense to me.  I could just call the rep and have her explain it in  more detail.

Bla,

This is beginning to sound like Mega or similar insurance that PAYS YOU a certain amount per day when hospitalized.  Bad, bad deal!  You can determine the amount of reimbursement which is how you get to choose $30 or $50, etc.  However, $30 paid to you for a room that will probably cost $300 is a joke. 

If you're looking for health insurance go to. www.ehealthinsurance.com

Consumer Reports recommends this site.

It's easy to be fooled and buy a reimbursement plan instead of a real insurance plan. Go to the site.  It's easy to use and will give you several options depending on where you live and the ages of you and your son.

Take you time and good luck!

BBec,

I would call them and ask detailed questions. This sounds confusing.

If I were you, I would make sure to get enrolled in any health care coverage plan offered to you and your son. Choosing to be uncovered is an invitation to disaster and it only takes one accident or one diagnosis in order for you to meet with financial ruin. You do not know the risk you are taking.

Yes, it is a lot of money for premiums and I cannot imagine turning down coverage if you can possibly get it. Never go without coverage if you can possibly afford it. Cut down on something less essential and get covered before anything happens to you or your son.