<p>To answer the original question however- for anyone with an older kid who will fall into the hole of “no longer a student” but not yet employed- we had our kids purchase high deductible major medical insurance to cover themselves during these time periods. That protected them in case they were hit by a bus- but didn’t provide the bells and whistles (prescriptions, co-pays on doctors visits, etc.) that a healthy 28 year old probably doesn’t need. It’s MUCH cheaper for a person to pay out of pocket for an annual doctors visit than to pay for a fully loaded health insurance policy.</p>
<p>Our kids were healthy, non-smokers, no chronic diseases so YMMV.</p>
<p>^ solved it similarly to blossom, with rates differing this way: $180/month for a catastrophic plan; $900/month for fuller coverage that he didn’t take. That’s a lot of “out-of-pocket” in case he gets, lets say, bronchitis and needs to see a doctor and buy an antibiotic.</p>
<p>If your child is roaringly healthy, these “catastrophy-only plans” might work for your family. They kick in after a high deductible (there are levels to choose from there, too). If there’s a terrible accidental injury or sudden onset of disease, I know as parents we will cover the deductible of several thousand dollars, because it’s an emergency. I don’t expect son to budget for that. I’d just be glad he’s alive and rush to pay that deductible from our own savings.</p>
<p>Some catastrophy-only plans have a way to fold in prescription medicine coverage, for a higher rate of course. Again, if the child isn’t already taking any medicines, you might decide to keep this an out-of-pocket “we hope not” and opt out of that.</p>
<p>Blossom–wondering what you mean by an older kid in the hole between student and employed status? Do you mean older than 26?</p>
<p>Sent from my MB860 using CC App</p>
<p>Unfortunately the new health care is making it harder to find major medical (catastrophy only plans) They want everybody to have all the bells and whistles. And I’m sure the fact that it is now under review by the S court has the entire industry holding its breath. I hope they get it figured out and nailed down.</p>
<p>neonZeus, Is your student looking for a job in advance of taking this test? I know some industries will bring them on board and let them basically study until the test if their gpa is predictive of passing. Other industries not so much. Seems like the actuaries were the ones doing the the pay you to study deal. CPA’s can do bookkeeping before passing. that P is for public, as long as they aren’t dealing with the public it doesn’t matter. Medical people probably not so much. Engineers must have several years of experience before taking the second part of the PE exam. And the first part is given before graduation. And I’ve never seen it as a job requirement since just passing the EIT doesn’t give you the right to sign off on anything. So ask a few more question there. The best time to get a job is when you are still on campus through campus recruiting or department contacts. Back in the old days people would interview in the fall for jobs that started in May.</p>
<p>MomfromKC-there are still exceptions to the health reform plan-grandfathered plans being one of them, company size is another and there are also some exemptions for certain types of companies (non-profits mostly) so it isn’t as clear cut as you make it out to seem but like I said MOST companies will have to cover kids to age 26 and student status should not make a difference IF the parent’s plans is subject to the changes.</p>
<p>Yes- a 28 year old who is done with grad school but not yet on the employers health care plan. Even a kid with a good job can have a waiting period before coverage kicks in…</p>