My mom always pushed the word "benefits" when we talked about my job hunt. (She still does even though I'm married now!) But she instilled in me something very important that helped me get through my 20s a little easier: Get a job with benefits. This isn't always easy, nor do company's have wonderful benefits packages. But I think it's important for 20-something job seekers to make this an aspect of their job hunt.
At the time mom was pushing me to get a medical plan, I hated doctors. Even the thought of going gave me goosebumps. I hear many grads say they're healthy and don't want to spend more money on a health plan. But if you can get a basic health plan, it's worth it. Why? Because you never know what could happen. Something devastating to your body could also devastate you for years if you incur thousands in medical bills and have no one to help pay for it.
Besides, those routine exams that your mom used to schedule for you--no one does that after you get out of school. You'll have to stay well on your own. I once got socked with about $800 in dental bills from not hitting the dentist for two years. You can bet I am there (iPod in hand and growling, but there) every six months now.
You've heard stories where people are in random accidents right? I don't want to be a doom-and-gloomer, but stuff like that happens. And if you're unexpectedly sick, that can cause havoc on your checkbook. That's precisely why taking your employer up on their healthcare is worth it. Or if you can still get in on your parents plan, go for it. The point is to have some sort of coverage.
I'm curious to know if you have placed an emphasis on this--employed or not. Are people so concerned about getting jobs that they'll forfeit having coverage? Have you taken a job based on the coverage? Leave a comment!
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5 comments:
I have been without insurance for some time and I am totally paranoid that something will happen. I work at a large supermarket chain but because my hours worked fell under a certain number I lost the benefits. There are options out there for me to take but I can't afford them. If I were to be offered a job, the decision would be based on if they had benefits, which is truly unfortunate. There are a lot of smaller agencies out there I would love to work for, but I know they probably don't offer insurance.
Thank you for sharing!!
I work for a christian mission organization, and they do have a few basic benefits like health insurance but it is completely unafordable. I would have to choose getting the insurance or paying the bills.
Since I am in the Navy Reserves I decided to go with Tricare which is probably the most affordable plan out there for commoners like me. I can definetly agree with your point of view on this one because tricare saved my skin and my pocket time and time again in only one year, when I had some unexpected medical and dental expenses.
Thank you for sharing your views on this matter. More people should stop and think about what they need when they are just starting their adult lives.
PS: I am 23 y/o and married with a 22 y/o
Insurance affordability varies widely state by state. Individual insurance in New Jersey is $450/month for non-bare-bones coverage -- hardly much less than my COBRA coverage at $560/month. Getting a similar individual policy is only $160/month in North Carolina. I'm about to move to NC, which will save me a ton of money in general.
If you are uninsured and does not have insurance, you should check out the website http://UninsuredAmerica.blogspot.com - John Mayer, California
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