Reply #28: well the dental would save us crap loads, I have 3 kids, and I have horrible teeth

[recoveringrepublican]

but the rest really wouldn't save me anything. My husband has federal BCBS. We pay $20/co pay (just went up from $15) for all visits, except my woman issues (maternity, pap smear, etc) which are 100% covered. Our meds are insanely cheap, but we don't use much except for the occasional antibiotic/penicillin and my nuva ring (which is $7 for me). Our deductible is $250/year or $500 for family (it may be $600 now). I would guess we maybe spend $300/year for a family of 5 out of pocket. Well if you add dental it goes way up.

All this for about $70/month on our end. Hardly any dental is covered (they reimbursed us $150 for over $1000). Glasses are 50% coverage (including exam), but they pay nothing for my hearing aids.

But I hear from my friends how much they pay and it is astronomical, even when it's provided by employers (many of self insured). So I'd give it all up and pay more in taxes for everyone to be covered. Someday my children will no longer be covered under my husband and I don't want them beholden to an employer so they can get their strep throat treated.