Comments on: Life After Credit Card Debt – September Update

By: Tricia

Tricia — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:23:31 +0000

Anonymous Reader – my husband is working full-time on the business and I am working full-time at a day job. We’ve chosen to reinvest all of our pay back into the business right now.

Kari – our insurance company had to actually get approval from state officials to raise the rates. They originally wanted to raise them over 50%. So, there may be more “rate-raising” to come.

Anna – most of our supplements are a result of deficiencies discovered during blood work. The most expensive ones are for our son, and there has been a huge difference with him. Then there are also a few supplements for a condition that I have. From what I have been able to research, the supplements for my condition are very common. However, my condition is not widely accepted as a condition. So the jury is still out on those supplements but I am giving them a try. So far they do appear to be helping.

By: Checks

Checks — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:21:33 +0000

I think that it’s terrible that they raised your rates. What is wrong here is that the general public just doesn’t know that you have options. You can start shopping for other companies to offer you insurance. They make it so complex to get another policy that you think you are stuck, but you aren’t.

Please email me if you want to know where you can go shopping and take back some control here.

By: Bunni

Bunni — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:54:46 +0000

I agree with the other posters. Regardless of why they raised your rates, not giving someone a 30 days notice is sooo unprofessional. But like Kari said, they know they can do this because most people will never complain.

But on a brighter note, with today’s economy, having NO credit card debt is right up there next to “miracle”. Congrats! =)

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:54:01 +0000

So painful that your rates just got raised!

I was a little concerned when I saw that your budget is really being stretched by ’supplements’. As a doctor, I know that almost all supplements (with the exception of iron, calcium, and prenatal vitamins) fall in the category of, “not sure if it actually helps, but it won’t hurt you!” Of course, it WILL hurt you if you can’t afford it. I would encourage you to talk to you doctor and make sure that there is good evidence that the supplements you are taking are actually worth your hard-earned money. He may not realize how big of an impact this has on your budget!

By: Dara

Dara — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:07:55 +0000

I love that you can still look on the bright side after completely getting hit out of nowhere with that rate increase. I’m so happy for you that you were able to keep your insurance, I know that I would not have been able to afford that. And with going under the knife on Monday, my debt would have just gotten worse and worse.

By: David@DINKS Finance

David@DINKS Finance — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:33:42 +0000

That’s unfortunate they had to raise rates. I wish Congress would allow us to buy across state lines (especially for the people who don’t have the pleasure of getting it from work). You would have a lot more options and could probably get a better deal than you are now.

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:45:45 +0000

Ugh – That is pretty sleazy. Maybe you should right your Congressional Rep and Senators to complain and suggest they put in a requirement for insurance companies to give 30 day notice? I’ve never ehard of such a thing, but I’m lucky to have health insurance through my employer, which is a large corporation. So I know three months in advance if your benefits are changing due to the annual benefits process.

But, I’m happy that you’ve been able to keep off the credit card debt! As much as it stinks to have to pay that premium increase, it must feel good to be able to do so… without putting anything on the card!

By: Kari

Kari — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:34:28 +0000

Until recently, credit card companies could pull stunts like this and get away with it. However, enough people complained and the rules were changed this year (thank goodness). A step in the right direction.

You have my sympathy – this sucks. Highway robbery is what this is. Have you considered fighting this? Yes you had to pay the extra this month to stay insured, but perhaps if you pursue actions like writing to your congressman, posting complaints online and to the Better Business Bureau, you might get at least something back from them. You should not have to pay the higher premium until next month, in my opinion.

A lot of people figure it’s not worth the effort to complain when they may not get anything back, but as my grandmother said, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. And we have to let these companies know that we won’t just lie down and take it.

Hope you feel better soon.

By: John DeFlumeri Jr

John DeFlumeri Jr — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:07:14 +0000

Unfortunately, the health insurance companies can get away with anything they want.

By: Another Reader

Another Reader — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:46:34 +0000

This is what we all have to look forward to with government-mandated insurance….

The fact you are only treading water make me curious about the income side of the equation. Is your husband still working a full time job? What’s going on with the business? Is it growing and adding to your bottom line?

By: Shakela

Shakela — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:13:01 +0000

That’s just evil! Can you find a different company? I just worry, if they’ll pull that once I suspect they’ll pull it again.

Hope you get traction soon. Kudos for continuing to be credit card debt free