freelancer's union

Subject: freelancer's union

anyone join it for insurance? my cobra bill (holy shit) is $700!!! I can't afford that. helpz.

I joined Freelancer's Union for the insurance- its decent, though I haven't used it for much- just 1 trip to the doctor for a checkup. Its okay though- they use Blue Cross Empire for health (includes basic optical) and they also offer relatively cheap $30 - 50 dental. I have an EPO plan and just for myself its about $240/month. Their insurance is cheaper than I found anywhere else paying independently.

The other nice thing about Freelancer's Union is that you can get nice "corporate" discounts at the YMCA, Zipcar, Duane Reade, etc.

I recommend.

I'm a member of Freelancer's too and I think I have the same plan as starsinjenseyes (is that stars, jen, or eyes for short?).

It has worked out alright so far. Here's a summary of the benefits:

http://www.freelancersunion.org/insurance/health/empire/empire-epo1-summary-of-benefits.pdf

I don't have the dental, nor have I actually actively used my health plan because I'm cheap/poor/reckless with my well-being, but I suppose it's nice to know its there...and I didn't qualify for Healthy NY.

wow. that's awesome. I need to join the freelancer's union. is there a fee?

Wow, this is the first I've ever really known about it. Cool.

I think there was some fee but I can't remember for sure. It wasn't that much if there was one, relatively speaking...

There are other plans too offered through them that run from cheaper to more expensive:

http://www.freelancersunion.org/insurance/index.html

You do need to show some evidence of freelance work or employment though. I'm not sure how it works with straight freelance exactly since I have a full time job but they classify me as "perma-temp", i.e. "full-time with no benefits", which is why I got freelancers.

I've been enjoying their ads on the subway for years.

http://www.jayparkinsonmd.com/

Dr. Jay Parkinson. Learn him, live him...um, love him? Yes, love him. He's the reason I was able to go insurance free during my 5 months of funemployment when I was freelancing. He also is the one who recommended the online pharmacy I gave to you, Alaf. Check his website. He rules.

Jay Parkinson doesn't have pretty pictures though...

dapearl9 wrote: Jay Parkinson doesn't have pretty pictures though...

Yeah and he also doesn't require that you show paystubs or proof of freelancing income. So THERE! 8)

Either way, anyone that gives me the url to an online pharmacy that actually delivers is a good guy to me. And no, they won't sell you valium...

dapearl9 wrote: I'm a member of Freelancer's too and I think I have the same plan as starsinjenseyes (is that stars, jen, or eyes for short?).

jen is fine.

there's no fee to join the freelancer's union, but there is an initial fee to start with their health insurance, though i forget exactly- i think its around $50. you'll have to provide proof- they provide a list of documents you can provide.

wait, do I have to provide some kind of proof of both freelancing and also have to have been on cobra for 6 months to make this work? cause if so, I'm going for ER care - shittiest thing I can find. help.