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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

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Massachusetts health insurance

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: I am a self employed contract pilot working in Massachusetts. I have a retirement individual 401K in place however I am seeking health benefit plans. Living in M, I understand that I am currently not eligible for HSA's or HRA's...My current medical plan with my ex-wife expires the end of this month....Can you give me any other recommendations or other contact points that I can further discuss my issues?...I am in a bind seeing that my current plan ends March 31st of this year. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A: There are no easy health insurance answers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Unfortunately because of the legal climate created by an overzealous state legislature intending to regulate and standardize health insurance plans, the enrollment support firms like OnlineAdviser play no significant role in your state. Here is one possible work-around that might at least buy some time while you continue the search locally: Noting that you are a pilot, it might be possible that you spend some time in other states. Immediate issue short term health insurance that is available in 46 states provides nationwide coverage, including medical care in Massachusetts. You must have an address in another state in order to apply, but there is no requirement that this address be a permanent, legal or long term address. Due to the temporary nature of this coverage, it is permissible to use a temporary address, school address, vacation home, etc. For example, Massachusetts residents commonly purchase travel insurance before going on a trip and may continue this coverage for awhile after they return home. It is permissible to continue this coverage after you return to Massachusetts for the duration allowed by the policy. Enrollment is completed online and you may download the ID cards immediately. You will likely find that this insurance s priced at less than 1/2 the cost of other polices that you may have considered but be aware that this insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Once issued, this coverage may be used with any medical provider anywhere in the U.S. and you may renew t month to month for the duration of the policy (6, 12 or 36 months). See www.FreedomBenefits.net for more information.

Summary

More resources:

Short Term Health Insurance

FreedomBenefits.net