Kids not on insurance anymore - what do we do now?

[Tink3815]

I see you are in NY. I'm not sure of all the details, but late last year NY passed a law making it mandatory for uninsured children to be able to buy into their parents insurance plan at work up to age 29. I'm sure employers will not contribute to the premium , but at least you would get group rates. Healthy NY is also a great program for those working, but under a certain income bracket. Used this with my son for a few years ago.

 

[englishteacha]

If he's in college, see if the college offers any type of medical plan. My college did, and you could also buy a plan to see the on-campus doctor or nurse. In the early 2000s it was $50 a year for unlimited visits to the campus health center, or $10 a visit out of pocket without the plan. I grew up without health insurance, so it was so nice to be able to see a doctor when I wasn't feeling well without panicking about the cost.

Check with your state's department of health and human services. I know here in Maine there are some benefits for adults who had special education services in school. I assume since your son has a diagnosed learning disability he may qualify for some basic services.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just talking about dental...dental insurance is pretty bad! We barely break even, to what we pay in dental insurance, with cleanings, and that is IF we each have 2 visits a year (DH and I rarely do that, though DS makes sure we take him in twice). And then cavities are paid at such a low rate, and crowns...

When we were deciding if we'd continue with dental insurance, I just called our dentists and asked their cash rates. Easy as pie to get them! And not bad at all.