Q:

Hello Doc.
I have a question on my personal health insurance. I am paying for a plan that gives me 15 
co pays in the PHCS network to their PPO network. It cost me 179 a month for my wife 
and myself. We are 28 me and 27 her. I find it to be a waste of money for me because I 
will only use it if I need to go to the emergency room for an accident or have some sort of 
terminal illness. My wife typically just goes to the OB/GYN. Can you tell me your 
thoughts on insurance for the doctor and his family. I remember you talking about this 
years ago but I can not remember what it was that you said.


A:

Thanks for the e-mail. I remember an elderly but experinced atttorney telling me that an 
insurance policy is something you should feel good about paying but hope never to use it. 
In other words .. things may happen from illness to accidents that require either 
catastrophic or routine benefits. As a married couple I think you are wise to have some 
coverage .. while you are young and hope not to use this policy .. maybe you can save a bit 
by shopping one HMO or other.  Calling an independent insurance agent might help in 
comparative pricing. 

One of our DE leaders is near death with a grave illness and I recently received a form letter 
from Dr. Sid .. me and hundreds of others I would suspect .. asking us to help asssit with 
his medical fees as he had no insurance.

So .. if you can afford it .. have the insurance coverage .. possibly shop around as we 
really need it in a catastrophic situation.

By the way .. once you have kids be sure to purchase some disability insurance .. get a 60-
90 period prior to getting paid . this will save you some money .. in the meantime some 
insurance checks will continue to stream in. I don't even think anymore of the money I 
spend yearly for all my insurance. But as a mentioned above .. I gladly pay hoping never to 
use it

Have a Great Day

Dr. M