Hello you self-employed people with health insurance. I am shopping for insurance for just myself - anyone out there love theirs? I need to make a decision and sign up with a provider by mid-April.

I use Blue Cross/Blue Shield, after years of battling with less expensive companies. I gave up, bought minimal coverage, but with a company that at least a modicum of health providers will accept.

I'm with Kaiser, which has a lot of pluses. Its best thing is the computer system, which has all your records on file. You have access to lab results when the doctor does. Kaiser policies include just about anything preventive and did before the law changed, so there's no extra charge for things like mammograms, colonoscopies and vaccinations. I got the pneumonia and shingles vaccine this year, which most insurance seems to consider optional.

It's usually a decent deal for individuals, although you possibly could do better if you're eligible for an organization that offers a group plan.

I don't know what it's like in California, but the worst part about Kaiser here is that you can never get anyone on the damn phone. They have a nightmare phone tree. You can email your doctor, but not all the doctors are good at responding.

I'm insured through K's work. I tried to do Kaiser at one point but was rejected on the basis of answer than at some point in the past 2 years I had run a fever. Based on that feedback they didn't want to insure a male in his 30's. With all the new laws they probably can't be quite that choosy any longer.

I went with Kaiser through an agent, who knew how to fill out the forms to not raise red flags. They wouldn't insure me now, of course. They've lost money on me, but they're pretty good at not cancelling people.

Thank you for the feedback. I've had Blue Cross and Kaiser both (employee plans) in the past and each had its pros and cons. I'll check into each for individual.

With all the new laws they probably can't be quite that choosy any longer.

Assuming the Supremes dont screw us, an individual plan under Federal law can refuse you on a number of basises until 2014. Group plans, if you qualify for the group can't turn you down. There may be State law, that gives you more acess - in CA probably is.

[eidt] there are other ways group plans can screw people with pre-existing conditions.

Tax question (and I am heading out in a few minutes, so I'll be back later in the evening):

Okay, I'm filling out my Schedule C form for my business. Now it says to file it with my 1040; D and I are, of course, filing our personal taxes jointly in the 1040 Long Form.

Does the Schedule C just get added to this personal 1040 form...or is there some other form I need to fill out besides the Schedule C for this annual filing for the 2011 year? I DID send in my Quarter 3 1099 and payment, but NOT my Q4?

(X-post with Natter: feel free to comment on board or e-me at profile addy.)

Any thoughts/help much appreciated!

I think you just include the Schedule C with the rest of your filing. But some of the numbers (maybe just the last one) of the Schedule C will end up on your 1040. (Obviously I don't prepare my own taxes.)

Erin, insent.