Cab Driver’s Health Insurance Coverage

A cab driver in his late 60s talked about his health insurance history. He and his wife, who was still working, had lived in the U.S. for many years and raised their family on Long Island. His job—like many in the service industry—did not provide employer coverage.

What were his health care needs? Very few. He had no chronic conditions or medical issues with the exception of the occasional broken bone or bad cold. “I keep busy with my work and my family.” His wife, who was still working, was also healthy.

How was he covered? Traditional Medicare. He had friends who complained about the restrictions in their Medicare Advantage plans. When he turned 65, he enrolled in Traditional Medicare and had been satisfied with its administrative ease and broad network.

How was he covered in the past? It varied. He had been covered by his wife’s employer health insurance, but the employer had increased the cost of dependent coverage. Once Obamacare became an option—via New York’s State of Health marketplace—he switched because it was cheaper.

How much did he spend? Relatively little. Like most Medicare recipients, he paid nothing for Part A (inpatient) and $148.50 per month for Part B (outpatient) before any deductibles. He would pay an additional cost for Part D (drugs) coverage.

What about dental and vision coverage? Neither option. He paid for dental exams every year and new glasses when he needed them. He liked the idea of Medicare expanding to include coverage, but wasn’t sure how much it would cost.

What else? Adult children. He believed they were lucky because they both lived in England. There everyone is covered through the country’s National Health Service regardless of their age, job, or income. “Certain treatment can take longer to get, but generally they can get the care they need when they need it.”

The cab driver had also been vaccinated for COVID-19. But he and his wife had not travelled during the pandemic, and they missed their grandchildren. Like the pink sunflowers at the end of summer, they also planned to retire. “We hope to see them soon.“ In the meantime, he was Mastering Health Insurance.

Sources: KFF (2019 data)

Photo: Long Island sunflowers at summer’s end.