One of the more terrifying realities about the prospect of starting your own business in the US is that you quickly learn you are on your own when it comes to finding affordable healthcare.

One of the more terrifying realities about the prospect of starting your own business in the US is that you quickly learn you are on your own when it comes to finding affordable healthcare. You might even make enough that you don't qualify for any plan that doesn't cost <$30k a year, w/ high deductibles.

I know I've mentioned this before here, but it bears repeating because it came up in a conversation the other day where the small biz owner had no idea. Namely, that depending on where you live, you may qualify for a fairly inexpensive and decent healthcare plan for you and your family just by taking a class at a local university or community college. NB: It may only require a non-degree (non-credit) course. Anyway, something to investigate if you're looking for a way to reduce your healthcare costs.

Edit: Meant to mention that a lot of universities will allow you to take the classes remotely online.

@gme @briankrebs

I'm in the same boat as an early retiree. I found a Carefirst BC/BS gold plan for $600-700/mo via the Virginia marketplace. I've been reasonably happy with their coverage so far, although I haven't had any significant or exotic needs. From everything I've heard, an ACA plan is almost always going to be cheaper than a COBRA plan.

One of the more terrifying realities about the prospect of starting your own business in the US is that you quickly learn you are on your own when it comes to finding affordable healthcare. You might even make enough that you don't qualify for any plan that doesn't cost <$30k a year, w/ high deductibles.

I know I've mentioned this before here, but it bears repeating because it came up in a conversation the other day where the small biz owner had no idea. Namely, that depending on where you live, you may qualify for a fairly inexpensive and decent healthcare plan for you and your family just by taking a class at a local university or community college. NB: It may only require a non-degree (non-credit) course. Anyway, something to investigate if you're looking for a way to reduce your healthcare costs.

Edit: Meant to mention that a lot of universities will allow you to take the classes remotely online.

@briankrebs phobos turned 10 yesterday. i know exactly these feels

One of the more terrifying realities about the prospect of starting your own business in the US is that you quickly learn you are on your own when it comes to finding affordable healthcare. You might even make enough that you don't qualify for any plan that doesn't cost <$30k a year, w/ high deductibles.

I know I've mentioned this before here, but it bears repeating because it came up in a conversation the other day where the small biz owner had no idea. Namely, that depending on where you live, you may qualify for a fairly inexpensive and decent healthcare plan for you and your family just by taking a class at a local university or community college. NB: It may only require a non-degree (non-credit) course. Anyway, something to investigate if you're looking for a way to reduce your healthcare costs.

Edit: Meant to mention that a lot of universities will allow you to take the classes remotely online.

@briankrebs are these plans with the universities? Or some other kind of plan that you qualify for because you’re a student?

@Viss @briankrebs Wow, congratulations!

@briankrebs phobos turned 10 yesterday. i know exactly these feels

@Viss @briankrebs Happy birthday Phobos! LockEx turns 10 this month too!

@lkanies Yes. Some state schools will provide healthcare coverage for students, including those just taking classes and not pursuing a degree. You basically get insurance under a group health plan run by the school.