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Thread: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

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    Default Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    I think strippers need health insurance. I'm wondering if a union exists that I just dont know about. If not, how could we go about getting health insurance. There are enough of us, maybe we could all get together and look into buying/starting a group plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield. I have no idea how it works...but if it is possible is anyone interested?

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    It's hard to ask for benefits that employees get because when we get those benefits is when we get treated like employees rather than independent contractors - strict schedules, limited breaks, low wages (having to hand over our cash in exchange for wages) - kind of thing. It wouldn't be any better than working in an office or a restaurant so girls wouldn't put up with the bullshit we put up with for it if they can get the same money elsewhere. Unions just get exploited by the government or something anyway - it's a nice thought but it's been said before on here that it just doesn't seem feasible in a way that will benefit us truly.

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    you don't need a union to get health insurance. There are tons of people who don't have an employer who buy their own insurance and insurance companies want to sell insurance to them too. You just need to find something for the self-employed.

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    I have BCBS PPO, I have an individual policy. It's decent coverage for not being a group plan, you should check it out along with some other insurances. I've heard United Health Insurance is a good one. If you don't have a lot of health problems, you could go with Kaiser Permanente, they're very inexpensive versus BCBS. Call around to different companies for rates and options, either way you should have health insurance because you never know, just get the individual policy like I have. It will cost more and it will have more limitations on what it will cover but either way, it's better than no insurance at all!

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    I think it's worth it to have a high deductible. I think those of us who had employers subsidize our health insurance in the past are used to (and spoiled by) low deductibles and co-pays, but it's really not necessary.

    I pay $40 for a regular exam, have a $5000 yearly deductible and that's fine with me. My month premium is low ($130).

    It's not about seeing a doctor for $10. It's about being able to get treatment if something serious comes up....and not going bankrupt paying for it. An insurance company will also put a cap on how much something is allowed to cost you, so you have someone else negotiating for you so you don't get overcharged.

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    I used ehealthinsurance.com to shop around for my health insurance. It's pretty easy to follow, esp. for someone buying an individual short or long term plan, and they explain the options pretty clearly (heyyy flash cartoons explaining the concept of deductibles. Sweet) and you can compare between different companies easily.

    Like emily, I pay a low premium ($150), and I also recently had my first physical in a few years and now get to build a relationship with a physician. Paying less than a day's wage a month to ensure that I don't ever have to pay a year's wage for an emergency, is so reassuring. I have heard horror stories from too many people about what can happen without health insurance. Not to mention that it seems like every week or two I read in the paper about local benefits and fundraisers for someone around my age who has an accident/is diagnosed with something horrific. Without insurance they need the community to come together to help them out. Stripping gives you the independence to never have to worry about that.

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    Banned Melonie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    here are enough of us, maybe we could all get together and look into buying/starting a group plan
    not meaning to be facetious, but why would you ever want to seek group insurance coverage where the group of people to be covered have a need for medical care that is statistically quite a bit more expensive than the general population. If you step back and take a serious look at the group of girls in the dressing room of a typical club, you tend to discover the following ...

    A. drug use/abuse is significantly higher than in the general population
    B. eating / sleeping habits are significantly less healthy than the general population
    C. potential exposure to HIV, hepatitis etc. are significantly more likely than the general population
    D. potential for injuries due to a violent situation are higher than the general population
    E. potential for physical problems with knees, toes etc. are much higher than the general population

    Granted, these generalizations may not apply at all to upscale clubs. They certainly don't apply to whatever percentage of 'serious, professional' dancers that are working at any club. However, they do apply to the proposed Insurance Group of "Exotic Dancers" as a whole, thus insurance companies are not going to differentiate ! And like an Insurance Group consisting of 'Deep Sea Divers' or an Insurance Group consisting of 'Coal Miners' or an insurance group consisting of 'DEA Agents', the premiums charged by the underwriting insurance company will in all probability be higher than those charged of the general population or of a 'high risk' group member purchasing individual coverage without the insurance company knowing she is a member of a 'high risk' group.

    Put another way, if exotic dancers had group insurance coverage they would use it (where many don't now). The costs to the insurance company as a result of exotic dancers using their coverage would be significantly higher, as a group, than the costs generated by the general population. Thus, even if the 'efficiencies' of group insurance coverage resulted in a 10-20% discount over individual coverage, the 'markup' in group premiums necessary to cover typical insurance company costs created by exotic dancers compared to the general population would almost certainly be 10-20% higher if not 50% or 100% (as is already the case with other groups that generate significantly higher than average medical bills).

    The fundamental principle behind insurance is to spread the cost of expensive but low probability events happening to one insured person among a much larger group of people. If that larger group of people all have a higher than average risk because of their 'risky' job or 'risky' lifestyle, and there aren't any 'average risk' people in the group to pay insurance premiums but not create additional high costs for the insurance company to absorb that elevated risk, then everybody that IS in the group will wind up footing higher insurance premiums to cover the higher than average costs that the group members all create.
    ~
    Last edited by Melonie; 11-15-2006 at 05:16 PM.

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    God/dess PookaShell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie
    not meaning to be facetious, but why would you ever want to seek group insurance coverage where the group of people to be covered have a need for medical care that is statistically quite a bit more expensive than the general population. If you step back and take a serious look at the group of girls in the dressing room of a typical club, you tend to discover the following ...

    A. drug use/abuse is significantly higher than in the general population
    B. eating / sleeping habits are significantly less healthy than the general population
    C. potential exposure to HIV, hepatitis etc. are significantly more likely than the general population
    D. potential for injuries due to a violent situation are higher than the general population
    E. potential for physical problems with knees, toes etc. are much higher than the general population

    Granted, these generalizations may not apply at all to upscale clubs. They certainly don't apply to whatever percentage of 'serious, professional' dancers that are working at any club. However, they do apply to the proposed Insurance Group of "Exotic Dancers" as a whole, thus insurance companies are not going to differentiate ! And like an Insurance Group consisting of 'Deep Sea Divers' or an Insurance Group consisting of 'Coal Miners' or an insurance group consisting of 'DEA Agents', the premiums charged by the underwriting insurance company will in all probability be higher than those charged of the general population or of a 'high risk' group member purchasing individual coverage without the insurance company knowing she is a member of a 'high risk' group.

    Put another way, if exotic dancers had group insurance coverage they would use it (where many don't now). The costs to the insurance company as a result of exotic dancers using their coverage would be significantly higher, as a group, than the costs generated by the general population. Thus, even if the 'efficiencies' of group insurance coverage resulted in a 10-20% discount over individual coverage, the 'markup' in group premiums necessary to cover typical insurance company costs created by exotic dancers compared to the general population would almost certainly be 10-20% higher if not 50% or 100% (as is already the case with other groups that generate significantly higher than average medical bills).

    The fundamental principle behind insurance is to spread the cost of expensive but low probability events happening to one insured person among a much larger group of people. If that larger group of people all have a higher than average risk because of their 'risky' job or 'risky' lifestyle, and there aren't any 'average risk' people in the group to pay insurance premiums but not create additional high costs for the insurance company to absorb that elevated risk, then everybody that IS in the group will wind up footing higher insurance premiums to cover the higher than average costs that the group members all create.
    ~
    Clearly I already said all of this, Melonie, with:

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookashell
    or something anyway....~


    Haha.

  9. #9
    Sitri
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    It is further complicated by the fact the the proposed members of the group are distributed through out multiple states. Association or small Group health insurance is regulated in each and every state. Each plan has to be filed with the state and approved by the state.

    In order to make it possible, you would need many members to obtain the "buying" power to do a discount.

    The only way at this time is to purchase individual insurance. Emily has it right. Get a big deductible and pay little. If you can, get an HSA qualifying plan so you can start to put money aside to cover those expenses that will come.

    Do your research and find those companies that pay their bills and don't "Deny" every claim that comes in.

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    Veteran Member StuartL's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    I can't speak for the US, but in Europe and the UK this would be a nightmare and no insurance company would be willing to take it on.

    A related topic would be income replacement which is vital for your profession but almost certainly very expensive.

    Insurance companies use underwriting statistics to guide them. As such, they consider almost every pro sport player to be uninsurable. Sure, they will take a look individually and if they like you, will add a 100% or more premium (loading) to your monthly payment. But do this for an enitre industry? I'd be amazed.

    It is one of the fundamentals of anything financial that you offer the best terms to those that don't need them. It is always easiest to get a loan if you have savings. In the same way, it is easy to get permanent health insurance if you work at a desk and are unlikely to need it.

    If you do find such a firm, you ideally want them to underwrite upfront as this will reduce the odds of them rejecting your claim substantially. You also want the payment terms to be permanent, so that they cannot cancel payments when you most need them. In the UK, we call this PHI. Permanent health insurance.

    Nice idea though. Maybe you could broker a deal with a large insurance firm and take a cut for the marketing into a niche industry? I only ask 1% for me ... of everything!!!

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    God/dess Paris's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Quote Originally Posted by anomar
    I used ehealthinsurance.com to shop around for my health insurance. It's pretty easy to follow, esp. for someone buying an individual short or long term plan, and they explain the options pretty clearly (heyyy flash cartoons explaining the concept of deductibles. Sweet) and you can compare between different companies easily.

    Like emily, I pay a low premium ($150), and I also recently had my first physical in a few years and now get to build a relationship with a physician. Paying less than a day's wage a month to ensure that I don't ever have to pay a year's wage for an emergency, is so reassuring. I have heard horror stories from too many people about what can happen without health insurance. Not to mention that it seems like every week or two I read in the paper about local benefits and fundraisers for someone around my age who has an accident/is diagnosed with something horrific. Without insurance they need the community to come together to help them out. Stripping gives you the independence to never have to worry about that.
    Ditto. My premiums are $216 a month for medical and dental coverage (for both my husband and I) with a $7000.00 deducuctible. I have an HSA (Health Savings Account) plan for the additional tax savings. You put your money in pre tax and you earn interest tax free. The balance rolls over from year to year. It really is a great program for self employed people.

    I have friends that are paying twice what I pay through their group plan at their jobs, and the coverage doesn't seem nearly as good.

    I'm not positive, but I think you can use your HSA for elective type things like lazer eye surgery and vasectomy. I'm curious if it can be used for plastic surgery. I plan on finding out soon.


    Promote yourself and earn more money! This is a business that is owned by strippers for strippers. Let's make that money!


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    God/dess Paris's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Quote Originally Posted by StuartL
    I can't speak for the US, but in Europe and the UK this would be a nightmare and no insurance company would be willing to take it on.

    A related topic would be income replacement which is vital for your profession but almost certainly very expensive.

    Insurance companies use underwriting statistics to guide them. As such, they consider almost every pro sport player to be uninsurable. Sure, they will take a look individually and if they like you, will add a 100% or more premium (loading) to your monthly payment. But do this for an enitre industry? I'd be amazed.

    It is one of the fundamentals of anything financial that you offer the best terms to those that don't need them. It is always easiest to get a loan if you have savings. In the same way, it is easy to get permanent health insurance if you work at a desk and are unlikely to need it.

    If you do find such a firm, you ideally want them to underwrite upfront as this will reduce the odds of them rejecting your claim substantially. You also want the payment terms to be permanent, so that they cannot cancel payments when you most need them. In the UK, we call this PHI. Permanent health insurance.

    Nice idea though. Maybe you could broker a deal with a large insurance firm and take a cut for the marketing into a niche industry? I only ask 1% for me ... of everything!!!
    Isn't every UK citizen provided basic health care through the governmnet? Why would anyone need to buy health insurance if the government provides health care to it's citizens...Unless it is a status thing. Rich people buy better health care because they can?

    In the US if you are above the poverty line and below the age of 67 years, there is no health care coverage. We have to pay cash or buy an insurance policy privately in order to see a doctor.


    Promote yourself and earn more money! This is a business that is owned by strippers for strippers. Let's make that money!


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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paris
    Isn't every UK citizen provided basic health care through the governmnet? Why would anyone need to buy health insurance if the government provides health care to it's citizens...Unless it is a status thing. Rich people buy better health care because they can?
    Not a status thing at all.

    Eventually when I move back to the UK (gotta love the British pound man) I will be sure to require health insurance even though I am entitled to free health care. When it comes to the NHS (National health care service) system the quality of care is not up to high standards.

    I'm still debating whether the healthcare system is better here in the (US) or in the UK. I dunno they both have GREAT disadvantages and advantages.


    Seraya.


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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    sounds like the public education system here....free, but the private system is better and people will pay for it.

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Quote Originally Posted by leogirl876
    I've heard United Health Insurance is a good one
    Yes I have them and they are GREAT...their plans are very reasonable. I also give them A+ for customer service.



    Seraya.


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    Featured Member Katherine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    I happen to have health insurance through my day job, but it's pretty easy to set up depending on how your dancing is set up. I set it up for my company. I just set up an LLC for my dancing and am not afraid of losing my health benefits cause it was easy to set up, I could do it for my own co.

    Here's what to do:

    Use an LLC. Become a Sole Member LLC. Then employ someone. You're accountant who set the LLC up can do the paperwork. A company needs to have two employees to get a group health plan. But, one person can waive it. So you are now a company with two employees. You, and someone (do you have a friend who occasionally picks you up from work? They're on a payroll. 2 bucks a pick up.

    Your employee waives the insurance, and you get it. Viola. Group health ins. I searched for an individual Oxford plan to get before I became eligible. It was going to be almost 750 a month!!! Now it's 390 a month.

    Get together with some of your (responsible!!) dance friends and set up a company to do this with. It'll be 390 a month for each of you vs hundreds more. And this is the traditional low co-pay (I pay 15 for a dr appt) health insurance...

    One thing though to watch out for if you do do this with friends, figure out the tax things with an accountant. As I own my LLC, it's easy to figure out the money for tax purposes. I have no idea how that would work with a group. It might be easier to find a single employee and do it on your own...

    Be healthy!!

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    Veteran Member StuartL's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Hi Paris,

    The problems with the UK and in parts, European system are many. Depending upon where you are, the wait for treatment can be days or months. Some drugs may be too expensive to use so you make do with ineffective treatment that is affordable.

    And frankly, they are just good at fixing things. If you have an injury, you are most likely on your own. I have had a number of injuries through sport (I used to play field hockey) and one Dr told me that it was 'self inflicted'. If you strain a muscle they have no clue and don't seem to care. 'Get some rest' is hardly helpful, especially if your work has just stopped.

    I have broken my nose twice, broken all my fingers (no thumbs though), fractured a foot and had a groin strain and so far, they didn't want to know.

    Some of that was admittedly me being a typical 20 something male and thinking I was indestructable and not needing a Dr, for a while I dated a nurse and she offered TLC, but some of it really hurt!!

    But if you want a check up, preventative care or to be treated immediately, you need to have private cover in place.

    Stuart

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    you don't need a union to get health insurance. There are tons of people who don't have an employer who buy their own insurance and insurance companies want to sell insurance to them too. You just need to find something for the self-employed.
    maybe in some states it's easy to get an individual policy, but in Florida I was refused for having PCOS. If you've been ever treated for depression you'll be turned down. It's hard to get individual health insurance.

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Quote Originally Posted by FrustratedBunny
    maybe in some states it's easy to get an individual policy, but in Florida I was refused for having PCOS. If you've been ever treated for depression you'll be turned down. It's hard to get individual health insurance.
    Yes, most carriers will turn you down if you've taken depression medication because it is used and abused. But you can get coverage, just more expensive. Wait 5 years, try again. Whatever you do, GET COVERAGE!! Seriously ladies, you are a fool not to.

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  20. #20
    Sitri
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    There are limited benefit hospitalization policies and accident policies that are very inexpensive and don't have the medical underwriting. You can at least get one of those. Try American Heritage Life. The accident policy even covers pregnancy after 10 months and has a $1200 monthly disability benefit.

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    Banned Melonie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    Use an LLC. Become a Sole Member LLC. Then employ someone. You're accountant who set the LLC up can do the paperwork. A company needs to have two employees to get a group health plan. But, one person can waive it. So you are now a company with two employees. You, and someone (do you have a friend who occasionally picks you up from work? They're on a payroll. 2 bucks a pick up.

    Your employee waives the insurance, and you get it. Viola. Group health ins. I searched for an individual Oxford plan to get before I became eligible. It was going to be almost 750 a month!!! Now it's 390 a month.
    In fact, some states have 'gov't ubsidized' health insurance plans available to small business ... in New York this program is available to all independent contractor dancers who report and pay state income taxes with or without forming an LLC, and costs somewhere between $200 and $250 a month with drug coverage --->


    ^^^ might as well recoup some of your state income tax money by cashing in on this gov't subsidized medical coverage !!!

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    Default Re: Strippers - Group Health Insurance?

    In fact, some states have 'gov't ubsidized' health insurance plans available to small business ... in New York this program is available to all independent contractor dancers who report and pay state income taxes with or without forming an LLC, and costs somewhere between $200 and $250 a month with drug coverage --->
    I wish I had something like that I could get. I finally got a high deductible plan with a HSA but I wasn't exactly 100% honest on the application.

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