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Playing for a living - Health insurance, etc.

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  1. a2z1to3 a2z1to3 is offline

    Fort Collins, CO
    United States

    Posts: 30
    Joined: Dec 06

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 1:44pm)

    Ive been playing for income for a little while, having left a corporate job. My question is about the "non-poker" aspects of doing this for a living. Mainly, if an anyone can share their experiences on things like where / how you get health insurance coverage? I'm sure others out there who have transitioned out of corporate jobs into poker have done some digging on this, and it would help me to hear what you've found. Any recommendations? Any sort of group plan available? Do professional players already have some kind of negotiated-rate group plan, available to members of some players organization? Surely mid-tier pros who grind the circuit have health care coverage. What does coverage run you per month, assuming you are young/healthy? Etc. Thanks.
     
  2. gamble153 gamble153 is offline

    Jupiter, FL
    United States

    Posts: 1,179
    Joined: Oct 09

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 1:52pm) in reply to a2z1to3

    I am not sure I can give you the answer you want but I would think a poker player is like an independant contractor so there is no union you can join(you are on your own). As far as group plans anyway, they average out the cost for everyone in the group, If you are young and healthy than you would be getting the raw end of the deal. Coverage for younger individuals are cheaper than say for a 45 year old. Like I said I am not the expert this is just what I have been told.
  3. normlfella normlfella is offline

    Somerville, MA
    United States

    Posts: 2,459
    Joined: May 06

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 1:53pm) in reply to a2z1to3

    ObamaCare
  4. Any2xX Any2xX is offline

    NY
    United States

    Posts: 142
    Joined: Feb 06

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 2:34pm) in reply to normlfella

    bluecross , about 280/month but doesnt include dental
     
  5. lordxixor101 lordxixor101 is offline

    Westland, MI
    United States

    Posts: 6,364
    Joined: Mar 06

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 2:52pm) in reply to a2z1to3

    Most big cities (and surrounding areas) have health insurance agents. I know in Detroit, some have radio commercials, etc. So, hit yellowbook, find an agent, and call him (or her) up and find out what you can get.

    Also, unlike other jobs, I can't imagine there ever being a poker players union (unless one joins to fight the WSOP or WPT on cuts for television wages for players, etc). For things like health insurance, I can't imagine your superstar players (like Phil Ivey) really care about health insurance. If they (or a loved one) gets sick, they'll want the best care they can afford, not the best their insurance allows).
  6. Cyanide84 Cyanide84 is offline

    Corbin, KY
    United States

    Posts: 57
    Joined: Jun 07

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 7:32pm) in reply to lordxixor101

    ehealthinsurance.com. Don't go through an agent. They will only offer what gives them the best commission. If you have any questions feel free to pm me. I just got out of the health insurance field.
  7. ndahlhoff10 ndahlhoff10 is offline

    MI
    United States

    Posts: 190
    Joined: May 08

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 11:11pm) in reply to Cyanide84

    I just got on google and called up state farm and set up an appointment with one of their reps. I'm paying about $60/month w/out dental. It covers all the big stuff though.
     
  8. GraAlaMat77 GraAlaMat77 is offline

    Aiken, SC
    United States

    Posts: 305
    Joined: Jun 08

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 11:23pm) in reply to ndahlhoff10

    Who needs Dental?

    Oral B SpinCare, Crest Pro Health, and Crest Whitening FTW
  9. Be_Right Be_Right is offline

    San Francisco, CA
    United States

    Posts: 510
    Joined: Apr 06

    Nov 4th, 2009 (11/4/2009 11:40pm) in reply to a2z1to3

    Best way to go if you are healthy is buy a High Deductible Health Plan and then open up a Health Savings Account. You can put up to $3,050 in 2010 if you are single and the money you put in is not taxable. PM me if you have a questions...i work in health insurance.
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