Comments on: Bye-Bye $485: Day 29

By: Gailete

Gailete — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:15:51 +0000

When it comes to living on minimum wage, yes many forgo health insurance. I know currently we do for my husband but it really is more than just giving up something else. There literally isn’t any money for it. It becomes a question of do you keep a roof over your head? Do you get groceries? Do you give up your car when you live in a cheaper COL area that doesn’t have any mass transit or taxis? Do I give up my Medicare and supplements that currently keep us from going bankrupt? The thing is, Jeff is doing this experiment for one year with the ability to move around, etc. and when the year is over, he will be older and wiser and can maybe go back to a higher income lifestyle, but those on minimum don’t have that to look forward to. It is the year after year grind of never having quite enough and year after year of giving up many things to the point that many don’t have anything else to give up, especially not to make up a health insurance premium. The last 6 months or so have been some of the best we have had financially since we got married (and I got sick and went on SSI and my income was slashed to less than a third of what it was). I am so grateful every Wednesday when I pay our bills and there is enough to cover them and just in the last few weeks enough to set aside some towards bills that haven’t arrived yet. If the higher income continues then yes, we will probably be able to get him insurance, but until I can see that we have about $300 ‘extra’ monthly, which is what his insurance would run, I’m not about to commit to it and then scramble each month to pay it and everything else.

I think this is one area where it is easy to say what you would do, but until you are living the lifestyle, you can’t really understand the reality of it all.

By: Allysgrandma

Allysgrandma — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:09:10 +0000

I took a job mostly for the health insurance. I have a chronic pain issue and it is difficult, but it was the best choice for my husband and I. He picks up the slack at home because working takes it out of me. Obamacare in California is expensive. The exchange is all set up and it would have been over $900.00 for DH and I. I don’t think it is going to solve anything. I think the reality of it will be a surprise for many.

By: jay

jay — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:19:45 +0000

Health insurance has dominated many choices made by working folks in this country.
DH chose a boring, tedious job to get health insurance for us, including a chronically ill child and one born with a congenital defect. Had he not made that decision, we would be bankrupt, and our children in dire straits. After 25 years he continues to work at the same boring job, to cover a now “adult child” who is unable to find employment because of disabilities.
Sad state of affairs. I can only hope “Obama Care” will soon make these hard decisions unnecessary.

By: Alexandria

Alexandria — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:06:29 +0000

I’d do the same, but obviously good health insurance is of priority to me. I know way too many perfectly healthy people getting absurd medical bills these days. But I have always said, “Well, I don’t need a car; I’d rather pay more for health insurance.” Most people in this culture think I am totally crazy, but is definitely what I would do.

By: CB in the City

CB in the City — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:40:22 +0000

I think you made two good decisions! Re: the health care, I feel the same way — willing to sacrifice in other areas to get good insurance. A few days in the hospital really shows how valuable it is!

By: Debbie M

Debbie M — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:35:17 +0000

Is there a bus or train available that could take you anywhere cool? Is there a bicycle you could use in the garage? At the very least, you could take long walks in the neighborhood, starting out in different directions each time.

By: creditcardfree

creditcardfree — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:49:44 +0000

If I had money to cover a high deductible insurance, I would likely go that route, however, coming up with that money on minimum wage is much harder. I think you made the right choice for your situation.