Ax asked:


Hi,

Is it logical to keep my current individual health insurance while taking on the health insurance provided by my law school? I explain the circumstances below.

I was recently self-employed and had a health insurance policy with a high deductible, a health savings account, and excellent coverage. For insurance, it is relatively cheap, but it still adds up.

However I am about to begin law school. My mom’s friend, who works in the insurance industry, recommends that even if I decide to take the insurance from the law school, I should keep my current insurance. He explained that if a horrible thing occurred, my law school insurance would cover me, but when I graduate it would become difficult to find a new insurance plan that would cover a preexisting condition. Maintaining my current individual plan guarantees me coverage for life.

However when I graduate law school I will probably go (like 95% chance) onto a clerkship. After that I will do a corporate job to pay back debt for law school. I believe this means guaranteed health insurance for at least two years after school.

Also the HSA, health savings account, of my individual plan does not work while I have the law schools insurance plan.

I’d like to take on the law schools plan bc the the individual plan has a very high deductible, and I like the convenience of getting health care on campus.

So again, does it make sense to shell out the extra money for my own individual insurance plan while taking the law schools insurance? Are other people maintaining individual coverage while their company or school provides health insurance?

Maren

July asked:


I’m leaving my job to go back to school. Continuing my present health plan through COBRA will cost nearly $400 monthly. I’m 25 and a healthy moderate social drinking non-smoker. Can I do better than $400 a month?
How much will the region/city I live in affect my costs? I live in a studio for the same price my sister rents a 3 bedroom house. Is it that kind of cost of living situation? Or will the price I pay for health insurance vary more based on environmental hazards, crime rates, etc.?

Thanks, by the way, for your really helpful, specific answers. Loads of help.

Hanna

u2fan94521 asked:


I am young and healthy and need a health insurance plan for myself. Essentially, I just need health insurance in case of a freak accident that will land me in a hospital. Any suggestions? The cheapest so far has been $51 a month. I don’t care about deductibles or any of that. Just that it has the lowest monthly fee. Thanks!

Ruby