HEALTHCARE
Someone at one of my classes needed information on affordable health care, since her COBRA insurance was going to run out. The government is meeting to see about extending COBRA coverage, but it may not get passed leaving many people at risk.
Premiums have more than doubled in the past 10 years. Health care premiums were $2,196 for singles and $5,791 for families in 1999 as compared to $4,704 and $12,680 respectively in 2008.
During this time, health care costs have increased substantially. In 2008, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, employer contributions made up $3,983 for singles and $9,325 for families. In 1999, employee contributions were $721 for singles and $3,354 for families.
Only 1 in 5 people eligible for COBRA takes the coverage. In Ohio , the average unemployment payment for a family of four in 2008 was $1,327 a month. It would cost the same family $1,030 a month to pay for COBRA. COBRA allows workers to keep their former employer’s insurance for up to 18 months at the price their employer pays.
Health coverage can be very expensive. Not having proper insurance can lead to bankruptcy. Health care debt is now the leading cause of individual bankruptcies.
There are options for free or reduced cost health care through various organizations. Find free government-funded health care options at http://www.coverageforall.org. Other options for healthcoverage include COBRA found at http://www.cobralearning.com. Check http://www.nahu.org for catastrophic coverage with a high deductible. Check Healthy Start for state-funded coverage for families, children, and pregnant mothers at http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/consumer.stm. The Free Medical Clinic of Great Cleveland offers free medical services. Check them out at http://www.thefreeclinic.org/. Look for fee medical care such as the free clinic that was offered in July 2009 at http://www.medworksusa.org/. The group that was part of the effort was called RAM Ohio (Remote Area Medical). Call United Way ’s First Call for Help for additional assistance by dialing 211.
MCDONALDS
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Ecotrin – plus use $2 coupon to make profit (plus Walgreens ad coupon – give manufacturers coupon first)
Oral B dental piks – after using $1 coupon
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
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