Health Insurance - Tonik.

[AndyMan 7]

I wanted to point out a new Health Insurance option for those currently jumping without Insurance.

Offered by BlueCross, a new product Called "Tonik" is being marketed specifically to people who participate in extreme sports, and don't have insurance.

They've got 3 options;

1) Thrill Seeker
$20 Copay - 4 doctor visits / year.
$5000 deductable
$64 / month

2) Part Time Dare-devil
$30 Copay - 4 doctor visits / year.
$3000 deductable
$73 / month

3) Calculated Risk-Taker
$40 Copay - 4 doctor visits / year.
$1,500 deductable
$80 / month

And no, there are no exclusions for "extreme sports".

This seems like an ideal solution for people who work in the industry.... or even for DZO's to (gasp!) give to their staff as a "benefit". I think in reality the knowledge that the hospital won't try to recover chopper fees from the DZ should a good investment

In a sport where a tib-fib, femur, and an expensive chopper ride are very real possibilities.... These plans seem ideal to someone who thinks they can't afford emergency coverage.

Annoying website, and details here: http://www.tonikhealth.com

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[AggieDave 6]

Good post and good information.

Hopefully this will help some people out.

These are similar to some insurance options available in the past for "risk takers" but those were more expensive. However, there were more options for doctor visits and such.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[AndyMan 7]

Strangely, I found out about it on last night's Jon Stewart show. They did an interview with a Blue Cross rep that was all "RIGHTEOUS!!!!", really quite funny.

You can watch it here: http://www.comedycentral.com/mp/play.jhtml?player=realplayer&type=v&quality=high&reposid=/multimedia/tds/helms/helms_10012.html.

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[NWFlyer 2]

I'm not positive, but I think this plan is available in California only, but since there's a lot of skydivers there, this should be good, useful info.

In reality, there's not a lot different about this plan other than marketing, and I give BC of California mad props for savvy plan design and marketing. I think the way they've designed the plan is great - with a few routine visits, then a high deductible for the "big stuff."

I work in the health insurance industry and we're all chasing after the "young healthy" population - in general, they're great customers for an insurance company because chances are very high they won't use much in the way of services.

I've said it before on other threads - if you don't have health insurance, please, please, please figure out a way to get some, even if it's just bare bones "catastrophic" coverage with a high deductible, which is generally the cost of a few jump tickets for a single person in their 20s or 30s. A $5,000 deductible may seem really high but you will blow through that SO FAST in a traumatic accident and if you've got insurance, you'll be covered for everything past that. Your local Blue Cross or Blue Shield plan is a good place to start, online brokers like ehealthinsurance are good for comparing options, or your state might have a lower-income plan that you qualify for (here in WA it's called Basic Health Plan).

Please note that even though I work in the insurance industry, I am as cynical about it as the next person and am not just trying to drum up business for it. But it's the reality of health care in the U.S. that insurance companies are involved.

I was hit by a car in 2003 and had to fight (with the help of an attorney) with three insurance companies (his auto insurance, my health insurance, and my auto insurance) to make sure everything got paid for. It was a total pain in the ass and I was not the biggest fan of the insurance industry, but the fact was, even though it took a long time, I *did* get all my medical bills paid for (upwards of $70,000 and I got pretty lucky) and got a decent settlement out of it.

I realize I'm fortunate that I have health insurance through my work and I can afford excellent auto insurance, but even during times of unemployment, I've scraped together enough for individual insurance. It's always been prioritized over other stuff.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Avion 0]

What about us forty somethings?

[NWFlyer 2]

Quote

What about us forty somethings?

Probably more expensive though I'm not sure by how much. Didn't mean to be exclusive in my response, but I've only purchased insurance on the open market while in my 20s and 30s!

[tombuch 0]

Quote

I'm not positive, but I think this plan is available in California only, but since there's a lot of skydivers there, this should be good, useful info.

You are correct. This plan is available only to permanent legal residents of California, who have been US residents for at least three months, and are not older than 64-3/4. It is an interesting plan, and if successful, we can hope that other companies match the offer.

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[kelpdiver 2]

Quote

I'm not positive, but I think this plan is available in California only, but since there's a lot of skydivers there, this should be good, useful info.

In reality, there's not a lot different about this plan other than marketing, and I give BC of California mad props for savvy plan design and marketing. I think the way they've designed the plan is great - with a few routine visits, then a high deductible for the "big stuff."

I already have an individual plan (PPO Saver) from BC-CA that is essentially the same. I went looking through it for exclusions, but did not find any. Given how they are written, that's not conclusive, but are you aware of any?

I guess I should make sure, else jump over.

Wonder if this one covers hyperbaric care for diving accidents too.

[NWFlyer 2]

Quote

I already have an individual plan (PPO Saver) from BC-CA that is essentially the same. I went looking through it for exclusions, but did not find any. Given how they are written, that's not conclusive, but are you aware of any?

I guess I should make sure, else jump over.

Wonder if this one covers hyperbaric care for diving accidents too.

Eeek... if anyone here thinks I'm an expert on insurance contracts, I'm not! You should always read your contracts/certificates of coverage very carefully, whether you're under group coverage or individual coverage. There's no way I (or anyone) could make a blanket statement about "what's included" since they're all different. Good call asking questions - too many people don't look at their contracts till they need them, and sometimes they get some nasty surprises.

A call to the customer service line can probably put you in touch with someone who can help answer questions about your coverage. If you have individual coverage and bought through a broker he or she might be able to help out. If you have employer-sponsored coverage, HR/Benefits is a good place to start with questions.

[GravityGirl 0]

QUICK! Someone hit them up for a sponsorship! They need representation in our community.

Picture it: A Tonik Canopy and free jumps for a year!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

QUICK! Someone hit them up for a sponsorship! They need representation in our community.

Picture it: A Tonik Canopy and free jumps for a year!

My luck they'd give me a Tonik skateboard...then I'd really need that insurance.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Cornholio 0]

Shit, I am so down with this...

Sure beats paying BlueCross 307/month for their HIPPA rates.

I just submitted the app.. we'll see how it goes.

Have to admit, of all the health apps I've filled out over the years, that was the most painless one ever!!

BTW, rate for 32yo male for their Risk-Taker ($1500 deductible) plan was a cool $106 for me. Sometimes being a contracted employee has it's disadvantages. Maybe someday I'll get full time with benefits.

Butthead: Whoa! Burritos for breakfast!
Beavis: Yeah! Yeah! Cool!
bellyflier on the dz.com hybrid record jump

[headoverheels 334]

When I was laid off and tried to get back the individual Blue Shield plan I had dropped 1.5 years earlier, after having it for ~18 years, they didn't want to let me have that one again ($3000/yr premiums at age 47, with a $2000 deductable); they wanted a lot more for worse coverage. So I HIPPA'd it until I got another full-time job.

[NWFlyer 2]

Getting COBRA coverage (the coverage that you can buy for up to 18 months from a previous employer) *can* be a good deal, it just depends on your circumstances.

1) if you're under active treatment for something, it's probably your best bet. You cannot be denied coverage under COBRA, where you can be denied coverage for individual insurance (or you could get coverage, but not for that condition).

2) if you really want to stay with your current docs, etc., COBRA might be easier than switching to a different plan.

If you're leaving a job, it's probably worthwhile to compare both COBRA and individual coverage. Generally, COBRA will be more expensive but the benefits will most likely be richer, which might make sense depending on your circumstances.

[Brian425 0]

I think it's a great start. As someone who was self employed for a while, I know health care can be VERY expensive. I was paying $780/month for myself and wife on a fairly low level plan. One person alone was not too much cheaper.

One injury I had ran a little over $72,000 with only about $2,500 coming out of my pocket. Thank God I had a top notch plan from my current employer.

It is a great first step and seems tailor made to our sport. Hopefully people will take advantage of it if they are eligible.

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[dbattman 0]

This looks like a minor revamp of the old BCBS 'Accident/Hospitalization' plan. I had one of those in the mid-90s for about $54. I haven't been able to get quotes for 'Accident/hospital' plan anymore, so perhaps it has been dropped in favor of Tonik? Valu-med was another one I had for awhile- cheap plan, broke my talus, covered doctor, X-ray, orthopedist (consult and casting, no surgery), had to pay $300 out of pocket. Quite a bargain given the low price of the plan.

DZs should have a good relationship with a local insurance rep who drops by with information and applications on a regular basis. I know quite a few people who don't carry insurance because they think it will cost a fortune when catstrophic and hospital coverage is available at a reasonable price.

[kelpdiver 2]

Quote

DZs should have a good relationship with a local insurance rep who drops by with information and applications on a regular basis. I know quite a few people who don't carry insurance because they think it will cost a fortune when catstrophic and hospital coverage is available at a reasonable price.

Would people find it offensive, like an ambulance chaser? Or totally positive? I could tell my friend/agent to come about talking about this and other Blue Cross plans.

[dbattman 0]

I wouldn't find it offensive at all. An agent came by a few month ago and signed a few people up on disability coverage, which is another often overlooked and neglected coverage. Life insurance seems to b e thought of as an important 'gotta have-it' but much less thought seems to be given to replacing income for a few months or years while recovering from a bad break or accident. I wouldn't mind at all seeing a few pamphlets and a rate sheet stuck in the corner of the window, perhaps with a little sign saying 'This dropzone recommends you review your insurance coverage before skydiving.' Popping an ankle will run you into five figures, a panic low-turn could run you six.

[jumpwally 0]

What do you mean by " Hippa'd" ?

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