A friend from work just called me in a panic. Our healthcare is going way up.

[Riley18]

She is frantic because she doesn't know how she can pay another $1,000 per year for her daughter to be insured. We are teachers so we don't expect a raise to help cover the costs. She asked me if it is possible to get coverage cheaper on her own. I think our group care is usually cheaper. She thinks maybe we could put the kids on Obama's plan. I am not really sure but told her to wait and see. I hope the health plan is not stolen like the 2000 election. Are there any healthcare plans available for one child? We each only insure ourselves and one kid, but our plan requires us to pay for "family" regardless of how many children.

[Donnachaidh]

1. check the local county schip programs

Don't know if there is an upper limit on how much you can make, but it's worth a shot.

[hedgehog]

2. Some states offer health insurance for kids, but there may also be an

income limit, and some of those programs are getting cut back with the economy the way it is.

[rwheeler31]

3. Check your state health care.

[OhioBlue]

4. Try the farm bureau

like other posters have said - check with your State program and see if your kids can qualify for s-chip. If not, it might be worth your while to check into other group plans. In Ohio, the Farm Bureau lets pretty much anyone join their group plan as long as they are a member. They don't have to be a farmer - just pay the annual fee. Now, this isn't great insurance by any means - my b/f, my mother and a good friend have all used this - they were all self-employed and had no option for a portion of their health insurance to be covered by an employer. They had/have high deductibles - but also monthly premiums that they could afford. It might be worth checking out if they are charging you for a family. You might have an increased deductible - but it might be cheaper per year?

[Riley18]

5. Thanks to all for the helpful advice. We will look into it, but continue to hope

the healthcare plan will pass.

[NNN0LHI]

6. Even if a health care plan gets signed it won't go into effect for years

I would tell your friend to plan accordingly.

Don