Sharon Said:

Would health insurance costs be lower if it was really for Emergency use and not checkups?

We Answered:

Actually, healthcare cost a lot because companies HAVE to pay for people who do not have insurance, at the Emergency Room. (I have two EM docs in my family) Emergency docs get paid about twice what family practice docs do, and the overhead at an ER in the hospital is much more than a private practice. Our insurance could be much less if we'd just give everybody the freedom to have yearly checkups at their family practice doc instead of waiting until things get out of hand and expensive and they show up at the ER with a tumor or go there for a cold.

Vivian Said:

Can you put health insurance costs on a profit and loss?

We Answered:

If you have net income from Self-Employment, then you can deduct the health insurance costs for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, if you paid for the insurance premiums. The deduction is above-the-line deduction. You have to deduct 50% of your SE tax and contributions to retirement accounts before you deduct the insurance costs. But if you're eligible to join your spouse company's family health insurance plan but you chose not to, then you cannot deduct your insurance costs for your sole prop business.

The deduction is put directly on your 1040.

Shelly Said:

What is your opinion as to why health insurance costs so much?

We Answered:

Of course health insurance is very costly today even in a group plan. You may be better off looking into health insurance for "yourself" only and not subjected to the groups loss ratios. It's worth checking into if your health is good and then at least you'll know if you can do better elsewhere. The other advantage is if your company chooses to drop their group plan or you leave this job you will not be affected. Know your options!

Clayton Said:

If republicans are successful in maintaining increasing health insurance costs and reduced benefits?

We Answered:

It sounds like you think republicans are totally against doing anything to help the health care reform and that is not true at all. There are plenty of ideas being brought to the table by the republicans. The thing that is causing such a stir is the dems idea to create the government option and force everyone to get health insurance..

Stanley Said:

What can I expect for health insurance costs as an early retiree?

We Answered:

First and foremost, you need to make sure that you can qualify for an individual policy. In most states (Nevada here) Individual Health Insurance is not guaranteed issue. This means if you have pre-existing conditions, you may not qualify.

Second, the coverage will be very reasonable ($150 - $350 per month) till you hit the great age of 50 - then rates really start going up.

If you are in good health, you should consider looking into Health Savings Account qualified plans - lower premiums and protect you from catestropic events. If you choos to open the HSA - you can fund the account with pre-tax dollars and pay for qualified medical expenses tax free. This is also a great financial vehicle to save for future medical expenses.

In your situation, this may be a good option.

I hope this helps