Health Insurance

While I was pregnant with Christopher we were on the 80/20% insurance plan and paid $188 every two weeks. It was good because we only paid 20% of all of our health matters, etc. Once I had Christopher, we got on the HSA insurance which is $88 every two weeks with $36 being put into a HSA account every two weeks for spending on health matter. BUT, it's going a $3,000 deductible to be met before anything kicks in insurance wise. It's because it's so low priced and it's for low-risk people. Anyways, I'm SO UNDECIDED on if we want another child or not or if I want to go back to the better insurance next year JUST ENCASE we decide to, but it's also $200 more a MONTH and that's a lot if we're not going to get pregnant. Should we begin trying like in November or something or what happens if I get pregnant before switching insurance? Would they not take me? I don't even know IF I'll get pregnant next year even if we DO try since my husband was never supposed to have kids. Anyways, I guess what I'm saying is we're definitely low risk people and all in good health, but I have a small fear of becoming pregnant and not having good insurance next year and also a fear of Christopher being so small and something happening to him (like breaking an arm at the park or something) health wise and us being out a lot because of that $3,000 deductible. We'd for sure have to re-work our finances to allow for $200 more on health insurance each month, but it IS doable. What to do? Open enrollment is in two months and we're beginning to think of what we want to do...keep it the same or switch it....?

After the deductible is it still 80/20? If you put that extra 200/month in savings the deductible shouldn't hurt too bad. Especially if you aren't sure you can get pregnant. In a year you'll have saved 2400

Quoting snugglemama:" After the deductible is it still 80/20? If you put that extra 200/month in savings the deductible shouldn't ... [snip!] ... the deductible shouldn't hurt too bad. Especially if you aren't sure you can get pregnant. In a year you'll have saved 2400"

I just mean, if I fall pregnant, the hospital bill would kill us and the co-pays for monthly visits would be in the $100's while on the HSA plan. I'm really not good at savings and that's my concern whereas I am being FORCED to pay the $200 a month on better insurance, I know we're safe if I fall pregnant or Christopher hurts himself at the park, etc.

Whereas I see where you're coming with at saving the $200 for if something were to happen and using that as a monthly co-pay or what have you...but what about all the extra labs and stuff that come with a pregnancy you know?

Bump, bump, bump.

There are a few key points which you need to address:
1. capability to save
2. capability to get pregnant

For many, #2 is less predictable and controllable than #1.
Whether you are going to fall pregnant or not, and whether you are going to get (better) insurance or not, you should make it a habit to increase your savings.

Personally, I think you should place more emphasis on your decision to get pregnant or not, rather than on the issue of whether you are going to switch insurance or not. Your indecision mainly stems from this.

You need to take a step back and try to set your priorities. Whatever you decide to do, you should plan accordingly.

Quoting holly be:" There are a few key points which you need to address: 1. capability to save 2. capability to get pregnant ... [snip!] ... this. You need to take a step back and try to set your priorities. Whatever you decide to do, you should plan accordingly."

You laid it out how it needs to be thought out. Thank you. And you're right, savings needs to be something I consider either way...it's just been tough since we just moved and HAD TO buy a car due to our transmission going out the day after we bought out house. Maybe a child needs to wait another 2-3 years, but I am concerned with Christopher growing too much more older and them being far apart...

having a wide age gap should be the least of your concerns, at least for now.

If you continue to raise Christopher well, you will really have no problems when and if the second one comes.

Quoting holly be:" having a wide age gap should be the least of your concerns, at least for now. If you continue to raise Christopher well, you will really have no problems when and if the second one comes."

That's true and it's not a concern of mine, but is for the family who helps care for him. They're afraid he won't have any connections with his sibling if I have them 5-6 years apart. I think that's an alright age gap because he could be a help...I don't know...just lots going through my head...

yeah, thinking a bit too much.

try to take it one step at a time.