What about HEALTH INSURANCE? Retiring Young [Enough is Enough]

[@IcyMidnight]

The most expensive parts of health care are not the ones you can really negotiate. I don't imagine you'll be riding around the ambulance shopping for the cheapest hospital in the city.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

I completely agree with your perspective on what's broken with us health care... Insurance is the problem. Routine care should be cash pay unless someone is destitute. Insurance should be for major expenses like emergency room visits, premium/ novel prescriptions, things like dialysis, and admissions to the hospital. Routine care being cash pay would result in higher quality and lower costs through real competition.

[@LotusJones]

Last Summer my wife ruptured her appendix. The ER workup, open appy, complicated recovery, 13 nights in hospital and wound vac all added up to $75,000. With our high-deductible insurance we were only responsible for $6K which I paid out of our HSA. I felt twice lucky. Lucky to have my wife and lucky we didn't have to crack the nest egg.

[@amalHope3]

Minute 12:42, the Mexican model (where you can buy antibiotics at the pharmacy) is definitely better than the American model. In USA, you spend thousands on health insurance premiums/ deductibles, exams, etc. Unfortunately the USA has the worse medical system in the world, and some doctors are not competent

[@johnd4348]

Never went to any doctor other than dentist until I was 59. Then I got Covid and was in ICU for a week. Hospital bill was over 75 K. I had health care thru work and still paid 5K . I'm glad I had health care. I would not wait until you have a major illness to get healthcare. My wife had terminal 4 cancer and her healthcare bill were close to 500 K. I could pay HC premiums for a life time and not reach these amounts of money.

[@jeremytorgersen]

Thank you, this is very helpful information! I am 38 and retiring the end of this month and have been working on figuring out how to hit the sweet spot on the ACA with up to 133*% FPL income. I saw your first Enough is Enough philosophy video and watched the rest of the series, excellent info, and subscribed/sharing this with others! Now the trick is finding more community in the Minimalism + FIRE + "Enough" + Nomad sphere!

[@greggesaman535]

As a former Health Insurance Executive, I can tell you the problem isn't the Government on this one. The problem is Health Insurance and Health Insurance Companies. They serve no purpose in the system other than to make money. Lots of money. Period. The Government already covers everyone 65 and older as well as the disabled and poor (all the high-risk people Health Insurance doesn't want). It's about 40% of the population already. For the rest of us, health insurance costs are still ridiculous. Why? Because it simply doesn't work. I don't care how young and healthy you are. People have accidents and illness at any age. I was hit head on by a drunk driver - blink of an eye. I lost a daughter at 27 - no idea when she went into the hospital she wouldn't come out. My healthy Son-In-Law had an emergency appendectomy out of nowhere - and that's just a few examples from my small family. We are all one serious illness or injury away from financial hardship or bankruptcy - with or without insurance. That's the cause of the majority of bankruptcies in our country. Are you really Ok with that? Everyone needs health coverage - and coverage that isn't junk and doesn't cost us a fortune if we need it. Even with the ACA (Obamacare,) tens of millions of people still don't have any coverage. Many in Red states that refused to take it. Those of us with Insurance pay for their care. That's part of the reason it's so expensive. You're really Ok with that? Stop listening to Politian's claiming socialism and evil government after receiving enormous contributions from big Pharma and Big Health Insurance. Every other developed country has quality national health coverage for a fraction of what we pay for our mess.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Another problem is the AMA. The labor union for doctors. Works to keep the number of doctors in the US low and in short supply.

[@Bruin4Life]

I love the ACA program. I retired in 2007, and was paying $1,667 per month for health, dental and eye care. Under the ACA I pay less than $200 per month. At first I was paying about $350 a month but found a better program that was less costly and enrolled in it. I am very happy with it. Before the ACA, my $1,667 was helping yo pay for insurance for the uninsured which did not make me happy.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

But now the total cost of insurance is twice as high as it was. Being paid with tax dollars but still being paid. Still love it?

[@Bruin4Life]

I am paying less now, so I definitely love it. I was paying over $350 a month, now paying about $200 a month and I still have my own preferred doctors taking care of me.

[@DJDisalwaysright]

Amen brother. And you probably didn’t realize how spot on with your statement about Americans being told to be afraid of things they shouldn’t be afraid of

[@shannone6613]

Thank you. I really enjoy your Enough is Enough videos. Healthcare is my biggest concern for the future.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I hope to do some more of them now that we are settled back into cruising life. Thanks,. Did you share these on social media?

[@MisterDusk007]

Great advice, thanks so much, retiring this year Dec 2021 at age 50

[@john2510]

While relying on your youth & health worked for you, it would have been a disaster for me. I spent several days in a hospital with appendicitis when I was 26. I was thrown off a horse and broke my neck in three places when I was 39. I had congestive heart failure when I was 46 (they never figured out why... they thought I was dying, but I recovered fully). I had my gall bladder out when I was 60. Going bareback for insurance is a pretty risky move if you're not judgment proof.

[@1972xlh]

The ACA ruined our health insurance and our Dr quit. We paid 400 per month before and after it went up to 1800 under the aca after our hc provider stopped offering our coverage. It was horrible for us both as a family of healthy individuals and as small biz owners.

[@kebman]

If you live up north, statistically, at around 35, you have the biggest chance of a severe bone break, for instance from slipping on the ice. If you don't have health insurance, that'll set you back, oh, around $100,000. Can you afford $100,000 at 35? Is it worth playing the "opposite lottery"? That's up to you to figure out, of course, but I'd at least give a second to think about how I'm supposed to earn an extra $100,000 in case of an emergency.

[@willjohnston2959]

He talks about taxable income, but really what ACA tax credit is based on is a modified AGI figure described in Form 8962 instructions from the IRS. The mAGI figure includes dividends, both the qualified variety that might be taxed at 0% and non-qualified dividends. It is also a figure before standard deduction.

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

I like your rant. I used to work insurance. I spent hours researching ACA and direct insurance since it came out. Couldn’t find a bad plan under $500-1000 every month with $5k deductible. I went to ER without insurance and was far cheaper than paying premiums. Luckily.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

We live in the same area so contact us and we will share our policy name (it's one of the hundreds of Florida blue choices) I'm sure it will be available as Emily as covered by it when I added her to my plan. But I agree, when one is as healthy as you are insurance isn't likely cost effective.

[@poopingwhilestanding5801]

Solo Tantra Yoga Most hospitals will give you a 20% discount if you pay in cash or set up an auto payment plan with a credit card. Ironically this is more than the discount I received under my employers coverage (albeit without a maximum out of pocket cap but that was $8k).

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

Emily & Clark's Adventure Thank you. I checked Florida Blue a few times so I need to look again this year. I calculated I’ve saved about $65k.

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

Karl K Yes, they gave me a cash price. Only $750 for a $3 IV bag. Still an $8k bill is better than working til I can no longer enjoy life.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah. I had a $6k bill for two liters of saline once. I had a kidney stone and was dating a surgeon from this hospital at the time. They forced me to have a CAT scan (in case of the need for a surgical consult). My argument that my surgeon drove me there held no sway. Just needed saline to survive, though the delauded was wonderful. I had all I needed on the boat but we were at her house when it happened. Sometimes even if you prep it doesn't work out.

[@AnyM4jorDude]

Thank you for the frank breakdown of the fear and risks of self insurance and early retirement. So glad I stumbled onto your channel.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome. Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel

[@PynkPwny]

Thanks for this series as a 39 year old who just decided that retiring at 50 was possible to go sailing it's just gave me some reassurance that it's doable and the wife is onboard also. We decided to pay off our house first by early 2023, then invest for 8-10 years under the premise that we'd get to see what happens to the market in these odd times and hopefully get to jump in debt free in a market that is potentially low. I couldn't do it without her though she went back to school and tripled her income to nearly match mine and we knocked out all her school loans in 12 months.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

If you think there might be a bunch of inflation in our future you might want to reverse your plan. Keep your house debt till it inflates away and put cash in the market where it won't be hit do hard. But if you don't think the inflation rate will be much higher then normal your plan is great. Wish my crystal ball wasn't on the fritz.

[@maggie4834]

On a similar note we are looking to have our teeth cleaned. So we call a local dentist to ask about an appointment. They said sure and you’ll need X-rays and exam by dentist. “This is a legal requirement”. Total will be $257 each. On the other hand a round trip airline ticket to Dominican Republic is $200 with a $25 cleaning. It’s nice to have options 😁

[@Clarks-Adventure]

So your dentist is not only expensive but a lier. As so many seem to be. I don't think there is a law regarding x-rays. Last US dentist I went to said $150 for cleaning. After the x-rays they came out with a"treatment plan". They wanted $600 to clean only. They wasted my day. Used the only day I had free before sailing off and put me through the early procedure so they could try their scam on me. I told them to go to hell. Sad thing is many paid as evident by their fancy equipment and furniture. Lots of trusting old people in my town. Really good point thanks for adding to the discussion.

[@It-b-Blair]

I’m 34... this series is a godsend 🙏😸👍👍👍

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Hi Blair, Glad you like it. If you think your friends might also find them interesting how about sharing this on social media? We'd really appreciate the new viewers.

[@Uglyprincess]

I don't live in the US, and in my country, there is almost no government sponsored health care program whatsoever. You have to pay everything for your health, either by cash or by buying private insurance / premium health care. But I think your explanation is pretty easy to understand and to-the-point. I can understand it even when I'm not familiar with the AHA program.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you SeinoPie. Where do you live and how well does your system work? I've always felt that the health care system works better if government stays out of it.

[@PSAdventures]

This is really a great explanation of how we can still retire early, despite what seems like impossibly high health care costs. I'd love to take it a step further and determine health care coverage estimates if you're 20% above the poverty line, 30%, 40%, etc. And hey, we love that you took salsa lessons! We're avid salsa dancers here in Florida! That's such a great way to grow your sense of community, plus it's good exercise!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

If you figure it out report it here. We'd all like to know. I do wish you luck. I couldn't find the info anywhere. My data is from experimentation.

[@boat6868]

I am in PA. PA has a website for ACA plans called "Pennie"...it is PA specific. You can put different income estimates in it to get an idea of how much of the plan cost you would be required to pay. Perhaps your state has a similar site.

[@kubotaman100]

This is super enlightening. It will be interesting to navigate these waters in 5 years or so when we hopefully retire about 15 years early. I guess the trick for low insurance is live on a small budget. The more you pull from your assets annually, the more health insurance will cost the next year. I just assume Health insurance would be at least $1200/month or so for a couple on the edge of retirement age. I am guessing that if the system stays the same, year 1 you take a big hit on insurance because your income would be assessed from when you are working but year 2 the price would hopefully go down substantially as taxable income would be substantially less.

[@Miguel195211]

I thought the penalty for not having insurance was taken away. It used to be penalized on your taxes if you could not prove you had insurance, but no more. Am I wrong here? With insurance you have to watch for copays, deductibles, out of pocket, etc. It could be low monthly premiums or no premiums, but if something big happens then the deductibles and out of pocket will hurt. The problem with taking a risk and not having insurance is you never know when something big might happened, for instance heart problems and now you need a pacemaker. Try paying for that pacemaker! My rant!

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

Miguel195211 Right. Eliminated in 2018. Once you have an affordable plan it’s best to keep it rather than pay far more later.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes, what Tantra said. By the time the penalty was dropped I was all set up and had this figured out.

[@michaeldemarillac9992]

In Australia we get free doctor visits and public hospitals are fully covered, but if you are privately covered, you get to choose your doctor, who is usually on the public hospital roster anyway, and you have to pay for excess fees, above government covered fees, which punish those doing the right thing and paying for private insurance, plus you lose your Medicare card for free medical treatment after 5 years out of the country, no free medical after that, and a bit of a wait (4 years) to get back on it once you return to Australia and you have to declare your intention to remain in Australia while keeping a straight face. So best to boomerang back into Australia from time to time and show you have a connection with Australia.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks. Good to know that the US government isn't the only one that totally mismanages whatever they take responsibility for. Governments are necessary but prove constantly that they can't be trusted with money!

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

The cheapest insurance is to fast frequently and only eat limited quantities of whole food, avoiding grain and especially high fructose syrup and other industrially processed foods.

[@simen9485]

I'm glad I have this sorted out in my country. With 35% tax, Healthcare is max 150$ each year. When your bill is higher then that, it's free! Iv also heard that cost per appointment/treatment is doubble in the US! (not the what you have to pay, but the accual cost) Just be aware, in many countries it is common to loose your benefits if you are not paying tax, and are not staying in the country. Visiting Europe every 6months is unconvinient if you are in the middle of the pacific...

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah, I have a Dutch friend who needs to visit one of the Dutch Caribbean islands all the time to get coverage.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

you talked about the cost of breaking a leg. Last November I broke both legs. The listed cost with ambulance, hospital, rehab and the stuff I paid for.... I stopped adding at 120K. stupid crazy!!! my part @ 5K. first time ever I was happy I had insurance. Otherwise I would say pay your own way. I agree with that basic principal.

[@farvacarramrod3672]

I agree Clarke Gov is over reaching Our government is too big. Love the content.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@dalework53]

Thank you Clark. Health care is my main fear of retiring early. I'm 54 and would receive reduced monthly pension. Some would say I'm crazy to do this and not work 5 more years for unreduced amount. Especially still having a 15 and 17 year old in the house.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

We all have our own choices to make.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Did you share this with your friends on social media?

[@MarkManRed]

This is a fantastic installment in the "Enough is Enough" series. I just don't have the courage to "take the gamble" as Clark described in this video. I pay $300 a month for a high deductible plan. I sure could use that extra $300 a month in my pocket...I wish I had the courage to go without it like Clark did! Sigh..Maybe one day.

[@LotusJones]

You don't lack courage. You have wisdom. As I replied above, last Summer my wife ruptured her appendix. The ER workup, open appy, complicated recovery, 13 nights in hospital and wound vac all added up to $75,000. With our high-deductible insurance we were only responsible for $6K which I paid out of our HSA. I felt twice lucky. Lucky to have my wife and lucky we didn't have to crack the nest egg.

[@MichaelMechsner]

I totally agree with your "rant" Clarke!! The person paying should be responsible and able to negotiate cost. My guess is that when you are cruising in foreign waters, if you need health care you would be going to a foreign doctor and again "negotiating" a cash transaction for your needed care.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Michael, Usually no negotiation required. Even with being charged "tourist" prices it's usually very cheap. Did you share my rant on social media yet?

[@MichaelMechsner]

BTW - Clark - I did share your video on Facebook - lol

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Michael. We appreciate it.

[@torq21]

This is an interesting topic. We aren't retired and probably won't be able to for quite some time, however, we are travelling full time in an RV with our daughter and are self employed. Health care is most certainly one of the most worrysome topics to discuss around our house. For the time being we have qualified for cheap health care on the market but as we make more money that may change.

[@catchcryhamm275]

I see "Where There is No Doctor" on your bookshelf, a great book to have on a boat. Luckily we have a copy, and can recommend it for anyone living on a boat, but I believe it is out of print, so hard to come by.

[@cindylong624]

store.hesperian.org/prod/Where_There_Is_No_Doctor.html

[@Portland_Living_Life]

I've watched all of your Enough is Enough videos now. Thanks for the good advice. Much I already knew, but it was good to get reinforced from your perspective. I love listening to Clark, he just seems to have an infectious joy to him. The videos of you two together are funny. It seems like Emily has to force smiles while Clark's whole face - mouth and eyes - light up with his smiles. Clark, I see how you attracted a young woman like Emily! :-D

[@gregtoman7678]

I bought a policy the month before Obamacare started, expecting to be able to keep it for 12 months. The next month the same policy cost 3.6 times as much. (So much for the promises.) Oddly, Obama was able to change the law without an act of congress. He changed the law to allow people to keep existing policies because the election was looking bad because so many hated Obamacare. As a result I still have the policy, and I pay about 1/3 of what an Obamacare policy cost. Unfortunately, if you didn't buy a policy before Obamacare, you have no option other than the horrible Obamacare options. The only other solution is to keep your income low as Clark mentions. This discourages economic activity...but much of socialism does. Obamacare is more about re-distribution of wealth, and results in higher health care costs due to corruption and ineptitude. However, I believe anyone with significant assets should probably have health insurance, as you can lose everything you have if you end up with a very expensive problem. Taking your chances is not unreasonable though...odds are low of an expensive problem, and the idiocy of Obamacare allows you to buy insurance AFTER you have a problem. It would be great if we could buy car insurance AFTER an accident, but only with Obamacare!

[@TheEarthwinders]

Agree with most of what you said. Be careful with pharmacists abroad though - not all of them are doctors. I visited one in Vietnam who tried to give me a single amoxycillian antibiotic pill for the red veined infection running up my foot. I knew better and insisted on buying the entire pack and did some research to figure out how many and how long I needed to take them (3 a day for 10 days as I recall). Kinda scary though that this is part of why we have antibiotic resistant bacteria out there, with sales of single pills available. It was crazy cheap though. A couple dollars for the entire pack. Gotta love it! Would have been $100+ in the USA.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

On the subject of over/improper use of antibiotics. I also see it as a major problem for our medical future but the first world system is at fault as well. We feed antibiotics to farm animals in great quantities to increase growth rate. Chiefly pigs and chickens. And doctors in private practice routinely prescribe antibiotics for virus just so they are seen to have done something, to keep patience coming back and their profits up.

[@oleran4569]

Thanks for this one as well. You're a great resource!

[@eco4145]

found it watched it and it was an excellent resource .. thank you!

[@eightsprites]

I don’t live in the US, but the questions you raise is the same kinds of questions I need to figure out for my own country. Thanks for intresting videos.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Pass the question through social media. Maybe someone has figured it out. Have them comment here with the country name, I expect loads of people will end up reading the section. Let's share knowledge.

[@Ottertones]

Very nice video. You affirmed what I had been thinking. I plan to retire soon with income only a little above the poverty line. I hope the ACA stays around so I can receive subsidies to pay for nearly all of my wife's and I health insurance.

[@daveg6492]

Hi Clark I was thinking of retirement in 8 years - puts me at 58. I have around 1 million in investments. Health insurance has been my main deterrent from doing it sooner. I like what you’re saying here. Do you think that’s enough money to make it work. Don’t want to live like a pauper but not like a king either. I want to relax and go sailing

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It's just so dependant on your needs. I can't comment but I know it can work out at that level if you already have lodging sorted out.

[@fairwind8222]

Dave, you need to make some videos on what you do, there a lot of us think just like you , but it's hard to get good info

[@franktartan6808]

I know about Florida aca plans. So I am confused as to how you avoid the very high deductible. I know about the subsidies based on up to 400 percent of poverty level so the 8 dollars I can understand. Do you have a deductible (which is also out of pocket max)?

[@totallynotpxved4435]

You so right so what if you take off the 4 percent off your fidelity to live off doe’s the system look at the fax that you have other house you collect from

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I have no idea what you mean. Too many typos and no punctuation. Want to try again?

[@totallynotpxved4435]

Iam a 42 year female I work at a local hospital I was told by the fidelity investment that I can take all my funds at 55 with out any penalty which would come out to be about anyway from three hounded thousand to five hounded thousand if I cash out pay off the balance on my single family house can I still collect the off my other property on collect the four 4 percent on still get approved for low insurance

[@mathiarasans1488]

Hey Clark, I am from India, I imagine that right now you might be in middle of sea or probably an island, but having happy time , enjoy the life

[@johneldengibbons9413]

Great Vlog. Agreed on your post. As a Vet. It is why I retired at 55... but still have to bring in cash..lol. full disclosure I did not retire from the military.

[@yoyutube100]

It sounds like you like the ACA

[@charliewyatt7507]

I appreciate the info in the video. It helps w our plan to cruise for awhile at 57, in 2 years . Question with your skills do u have boat insurance? I thought I needed for cruising in Mexico etc. we are in California. Enjoy all your videos.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No I only carry it in the US. And only liability. Can't get in a boatyard without it.

[@jaminthevanuk296]

Very interesting informative and inspiring thank you Mike uk

[@bruced.370]

Subscribed. Thumbs up. And commented. A trifecta 🤑🤪

[@mjf1036]

I would be open to “universal or socialized” medical in the US if our Government did not manage it! There has to be a better way,

[@PynkPwny]

Free market is the best way as he said it would be negotiated when in reality it would just start having a set standard fee... My wife works in health care and after insurance they get paid pennies on the dollar for services and the insurance companies are the ones making the money.

[@ralphemerson497]

The biggest argument against socialized medicine, the government runs it. Expect waste, fraud and corruption. Unfortunately, there are no good intentions. Just who’s turn it is at the government trough.

[@brucebayne3435]

Do you have any advice or insight on securing international health insurance? We are leaving San Diego in a month heading to Panama and transiting the canal. We plan to be out of the US for at least a year or so, so are looking for health insurance while outside the US. We are in our late 60's and are on Medicare, but Medicare doesn't cover us outside the US. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I e done it before. It's a good idea and cheap. Just look online. The affordable care act is a better idea for us. If we had a big issue I'd like to be able to go home.

[@brucebayne3435]

@@Clarks-Adventure Not sure I understand, "I e done it before." Could you please restate? What's a good idea and cheap? I understand your point about ACA and going to the US for big issues. We have several cruising friends that have the DAN diver's repatriation insurance (($55) per year as a "just in case" safety net if they need major medical and have to get back to the US. You don't need to be a diver to get it. Thoughts? Thanks for the very quick reply!! You guys are great!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sorry. I've done it before.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Can't get DAN if you live in Florida. I have a house there. Just search for expat insurance. I haven't had it in years so you need to do your own research.

[@brucebayne3435]

@@Clarks-Adventure Understood. Thanks! Odd that you can't get DAN insurance in FL. Any reason why? Because you own a house? Still odd.

[@robertrantane6867]

A few questions: does the belief that an individual's sole responsibility for their health welfare extend to security as well; can you deny justification for all other forms of group (societal) action, FDA for instance, physician licensing, policing, fire fighting... (it's a long list), using this philosophy? A point about mandatory health care, our medical system is founded upon that concept of mandatory/obligation. The Hippocratic oath needs to be eliminated from health care completely so that a doctor or care giver is professionally and legally allowed to deny a service/care (for any reasons including financial, racial and religious reasons) without recourse, so that a care giver doesn't have to provide service at their own cost (that means all that "free care" cost isn't passed on to other patients or their insurance companies).

[@Clarks-Adventure]

My idea is all things are done at the lowest level that is practice. It makes no sense for a small town to have a military so that is federal in organization and funding. It makes perfect sense for fire protection to be funded and organized locally. I grew up in a town with a locally funded and organized fire department. I was a volunteer fireman as soon as I was of age. It's what every honorable man did. Not only saved a great amount of money it built a sense of community city people can't even dream of. Having daddy ( federal government) supplying everything kills personal responsibility and is a real detriment to culture. So yes health care is personal in responsibility with voluntary charity as backup. Education-at local school board level... In short, as it had been for most of US history. To your point on releasing medical professionals from giving free health care. They already are when they work privately. At the ER there should be changes but that is balanced with them being in a position of a monopaly. But that said don't think for a minute that someone with the ability to pay gets the same care as a street bum coming in with a cold. When I was a fireman I went to every call but when the address was an upstanding citizen's house that call saw me out of bed quicker, driving faster and taking more personal risk to help them. What do others think?

[@tho464]

If ACA goes away and you pay cash to a doc to be there for you, what happens when, not IF, but WHEN you suffer a major health issue like a heart attack or stroke and you have no emergency coverage??? Sell the boat and live under an overpass? You have been Lucky so far but without coverage what happens to your assets???

[@rvdareyet7201]

2:53. Yes, you’re right.

[@bretlandis4425]

Great video! Really enjoyed you sharing your thoughts

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Bret. Would you consider sharing our playlists on social media? We'd really appreciate the new subscribers.

[@josephlashley9459]

I spend my time going from Doctor appointment to Doctors appointment every 12 weeks.

[@alexhoneydealer1798]

But ACA does not work outside of US, am I wrong?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No it doesn't. This is not so much a sailing life video but part of my Enough is Enough series. Got tired of people complaining that health care costs are an excuse for not investing so I thought I would share what I learned. And yes it bothered me when I was forced to buy something I couldn't use by my government at gunpoint. -C

[@theraptureisnearbelieveinj7695]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m also retired early, more due to the pandemic, but I don’t have health insurance now. I live in Florida (which I may have to move out of here based on the info you provided) but they wanted like $500 a mth for ACA insurance with 0 income listed! What?! I also hate the fact that I would have to work just to get a lower premium quoted to me. Gotta keep the slaves working, right?! :( Anyway, thanks so much for this info! I was scratching my head wondering why everyone thought ACA was so cheap, or so great! Thanks again! :)

[@grantyboy0311]

Great info, thanks!

[@smcdaniel8190]

Awesome information! Thank you so much

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Your welcome Sean. Would you consider sharing our playlists on social media? Your friends might also like our videos and we would really appreciate the new subscribers.

[@scottsanders495]

Great information thanks

[@itchyblanket5508]

I love your videos! Very inspiring! I'm wondering given how the system is structured currently, would it be better to contribute to a Roth 401k or a traditional 401k? Which would put you in a better situation for getting affordable health care if you retire young?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I don't think it matters as both lock out profits from taxes til you are near medicare age. If you withdraw before 65 I guess the ROTH would generate lower income.

[@rorytennes8576]

Hi Clark. Thanks. Very helpful. I have Medicaid through SS Disability. In what territories can that insurance be used? Also I have prescriptions for pain meds that are becoming increasingly difficult to get here in the States because some people lose Their minds over certain pain meds and have decided no one should have them. Even if they are the only treatment that gives a person a chance at a reasonably normal life. How difficult is it to get pain meds in other places?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Pain meds are different everywhere. Low dosage codine with asetamidophen is over the counter in Canada. In the Bahamas simply not available at all. Things change all the time. Last I was there you could get it in Mexico easily but good luck getting it home. I think you can get it in the US after seeing a chronic pain specialist. Not that hard as some urgent care centers have them. I just don't know.

[@rorytennes8576]

@@Clarks-Adventure I have a chronic pain specialist. They are terrified of the CDC and all other government and NGOs . Afraid of losing their license to practice and getting prosecuted . For.doing nothing more than treating patients with chronic severe pain who are seeking some relief and a chance at.a reasonably normal life. A life worth living. I am not I interested in trying to bring anything back. Just in having some while I am sailing about. Just. Enough so I can have a chance at.doing it.and enjoying it. I.

[@fredfrederick2246]

Hi Clark .I live in Australia where we have universal healthcare ..and private healthcare working together ..it seems to good in that if you have the cash you get immediate good quality care and if no cash you may need to wait a long time but it is still good healthcare..there is the possibility that you may die while waiting or your condition will get worse while waiting..

[@stephenendres8753]

Thanks for your insight

[@MiQBohlin]

Aye m8's! This is a very informative series and the more you learn me about how it works in the US, the more I really appreciate I still live in a country where healthcare is payed by our taxes. And that our taxes are related to income. I do really consider going to Cancún for my eyes though, since over here it costs a fortune and is not included in health care.

[@htht9426]

I looked up Florida Blue...it says it is only for 65 and up or under 65 with a disability. How can you or Emily have Florida Blue when you are under 65 in good health?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Look again. There are hundreds of plans through them. They are the major health insurance company around.

[@htht9426]

@@Clarks-Adventure I see , "Florida" Blue" is actually Blue Cross Blue Shield ...guess they were trying to be hip like KFC .shorting their name.

[@efrainmadrid8708]

Hi Clark I was wondering if you could help me out with this well my mortgage affect getting State insurance I paid off my mortgage thank you I love your videos.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'm no professional investment expert but as I understand it, it comes down to taxable income. If your mortgage deduction lowered that, paying it off would change your taxable income. I don't do mortgage. You should talk to a tax guy.

[@angelariegler5159]

Thanks! Very informative!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome.

[@robd9819]

Do you guys keep your boat in Stuart? If so, where?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Just last summer while we were doing the refit. We will be in the Bahamas for about a year then off to South America.

[@robd9819]

@@Clarks-Adventure saw Stuart on your travel map in a vid do thought I'd ask. We're down here for a few months in the winter. Safe travels!

[@MrKingraham]

Hi guys hope your keeping well. This is Graham from Ireland. we are more or less on lock down here at the moment. I was chat to my mate mate yesterday and i was thinking it would be a great time to buy stocks .what do you think yourselves??

[@Clarks-Adventure]

This event will definitely make stock market bargains available. This dip is serious but there will be a recovery after a vaccine is developed. Trick is to buy near the bottom. There will be a recovery but it is unlikely it will come back fully right away. There are real financial losses happening. But eventually the value of the market should self correct to where it wants to be. So advice:. I'd hold enough cash to live on for a while. There are likely to be no real dividends for at least a year. That said as long as this doesn't kill a significant part of the population I'd buy and take advantage of the panic selling that is happening now. I didn't sell anything.

[@nahueltarricone]

​@@Clarks-Adventure hey there! I know you´ve done a video on how to invest but, after checking it out, it´s only for US citizens... would you have any alternatives for Europeans?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Same advice for everyone as this is a global Pandemic. As for who to invest with, there are discount brokerages everywhere. This has been discussed in the comments already. Some people in Europe choose to invest in the US market. Make sure you understand the tax issues.

[@capcloud]

About your comment about finding a job after retirement, a lot of people struggle with finding a job even when they're young and still in the market. Wouldn't it be even more difficult for an engineer who's been out of work for 10 years to find a decent paying job? Really curious to know more about this!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah when I retired back in 2000 I thought there was no hope in ever working again. I did bleeding edge stuff, do I thought I'd be a fossil after a few years. But 10 years later I was right back in it. Now about 10 years after that I'm doing an electronics project. As you get older you find opportunities in different ways, or maybe they find you. Also, being "retired" and not searching for a job that you need "right now" allows you to just let things happen. It's sorta like dating.

[@guyfox68]

Thanks for the post. This really do not apply to me as I currently live in Canada. However, it is very useful info. I have read of Americans coming to Canada to buy insulin at less then 1/4 the cost in the USA. They make a trip for a few days, buy insulin, go home for less then they would pay for insulin at home.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes, we have it bad with drug costs. I'm always hearing Canadians complain about how much there drugs cost in the US. Thing is Americans pay for all the r and d costs while Canadians get theirs at closer to manufacture costs.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Did you share this on social media?

[@guyfox68]

@@Clarks-Adventure no I did not share.....

[@toddlarcombe8973]

Insulin cost in USA is just greed between 2 companies that raised prices well after rnd. When asked one of the CEO said they wanted to reset it more from profit. The company mindset should never have been allowed to go into healthcare. If you are ok with seeing fellow human's dieing over simple healthcare then something has to be wrong with your morale compass. I work in the careers healthcare system in Australia and the USA mindset is creeping in here and it's shocking to see first hand. Good luck on your journey.

[@dejayrezme8617]

@@toddlarcombe8973 Yeah it's weird to see these neo-liberal talking points right after recommending to go to a developing country for healthcare. The greed for profit has nothing to do with R&D costs. The US pays twice as much for healthcare because of corrupt government funnels it as profit to corporations in return for campaign donations. It's immoral.

[@Michael-cf9lf]

Very good thank you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome Michael. Please share the playlist on social media.

[@captrandy3307]

Thanks for your videos, Clark. The ACA made it possible for people with pre-existing conditions to get coverage without getting gang raped by greedy insurance companies. It also provides good cheap healthcare for you, Clark and anyone else with a low taxable income (as defined by the IRS). I was surprised when I learned that it is not based on your wealth or net worth, so a multi-millionaire in a $10M house could qualify for free healthcare insurance through the ACA (assuming their taxable income is very low, which would require them to be bad at investing their money). I was surprised to see extremely low premiums for my wife and I (both in semi-retirement mode before age 65) even with household incomes at about $30K. Let's hope with the new administration and cooperation with congress, they can make the ACA better and also offer a Medicare option for anyone who chooses to pay for it in lieu of other private coverage.

[@tho464]

Wait. Did you rant about being forced at gunpoint to buy insurance and you only pay 8 bucks a month???

[@VashtiPerry]

😆

[@safethamzagic7226]

I'm 38 paying 500 a month for the gold plan

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Ouch

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

Is this cost sharing or RV’rs. type insurance?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Just one of the hundreds of plans from Florida Blue

[@Clarks-Adventure]

There are so many the good ones get hidden

[@markbelanger5754]

Thanks for the info and inspiration!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome Mark.

[@scootericu1]

great episode Clark, thanks

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome Rick. Care to share on social media?

[@Jonsbasecamp]

What great video. A wealth of information that is practical!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks John. Did you share this video with your friends?

[@Jonsbasecamp]

Emily & Clark's Adventure Yes! I shared the video :)

[@Go-zi1py]

Yeah!

[@fredfrederick2246]

I do have the privilege of a cat on my lap..ha ha ha no longer a kitten..I have this theory that we should retire while young fit and healthy so that we can enjoy retirement and then work until you drop ..I am glad to find someone else has similar thoughts..

[@michaeljohnson2922]

The largest issue in America is we have never dealt with the actual costs. Coverage is the wrong path for the government to take, addressing why it costs so dam much needs to be pinned down.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah, but no one gets money from lobbyists trying to make less money. So I don't see that happening. Hate being so pessimistic but I do like being a realist and on bad issues the two jive.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Did you share this on social media? Get people talking and maybe a politician will go for their votes.

[@jakn5607]

A big thumb up for this video!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks. If you think your friends might also like our videos how about sharing our playlists on social media? We would really appreciate the new subscribers.

[@Blissbb]

Love This!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Andrey. Would you consider sharing our playlists? Your friends might also like our stuff and we would really appreciate the chance to get some new subscribers.

[@Blissbb]

@@Clarks-Adventure Of course!!! I wouldn't mind spreading Wisdom! :) I'll share your playlists on my Instagram story :))

[@luchovelit5711]

Clark how about high deductible plans? Good idea?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah, I like them a lot as long as they are cost effective. In fact if they were the only plan available for anyone our health care costs would go way down. People would be protected from major expenses but the day to day stuff would become reasonable as people would demand it. Also there would be fewer needless Dr/ER visits. I wish I had mentioned my thoughts on them in my rant but I had to cut it back. When I wrote the "my problem with insurance" part it went on for about 5 pages.

[@marianadavila323]

Great video Clark

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Mariana.

[@nizamhussain8748]

Healthcare isn't like other consumer goods like an ipod and car, tjys why the private market is not able to deliver efficient outcomes. There is huge asymeetric informatom as healtchare providers have a lot more information. 'Products' are not easily comparable. Consumers have relatively little power. That is way healtchare costs less and delivers better outcomes in the UK compared to the US.

[@videosmithlaguna]

I pay 1450 a month and i am retired after 32 years at age 58. This covers me, wife and two kids. There is a 6000 deduction. I opened up a HSA but it doesnt help much. If it was just me i would not have health insurance. I should not have to pay a penny, we should have Medicare for All and I would pay in my taxes!

[@halfcentury1112]

do/did any of you have any pre-existing conditions? My wife has breast cancer and I have one 17yr old. Thanks

[@FlyJFY]

I've been watching you for quite a while now and got an inclination that you were pretty libertarian but you sealed it up for me here :-). I like you guys all the more. Socialized medicine and socialized anything else has destroyed the United States... Oh how far we have fallen.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah, I'm basically Ron Swanson. -C

[@FlyJFY]

Emily & Clark's Adventure hahaha

[@marechavala1]

"Socialized medicine and socialized anything else has destroyed the United State" wtfayta ! The lack of social medicine is why everything is bad in USA you moron. Medicin is a comodity in capital sociaty

[@barbiec4312]

Except that his socialized ACA Plan is allowing him to be free. You and I are paying for that. We should all have the option.

[@FlyJFY]

@@marechavala1 as someone who starts and runs businesses and takes risks and works for my money, I'm not looking for a handout and I'm not looking to hand my money out to anyone else. This country is full of takers and entitlement. Calling me a moron shed some light on exactly where you are coming from

[@BB-nn1tu]

Can I fly down and have you review my plan to retire? Seriously, you're worth the money!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Well we do have a Patreon level for this kind of thing...

[@BB-nn1tu]

@@Clarks-Adventure Well, heck, where to do I find that Patreon level thing?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

www.patreon.com/join/emilyandclark. Check out the Best Mates level.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks for your support. We will talk on the phone soon if you like.

[@BB-nn1tu]

@@Clarks-Adventure Found it. The Best Mates Level. Look forward to talking soon!

[@BB-nn1tu]

P.S. I do love your financial video's.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Barbara

[@johndixon5097]

Great info.

[@moniquemedleycommercialpro2112]

Great Content. Thank you! 🌞⛵️

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Mo. Hope all is going well with you.

[@moniquemedleycommercialpro2112]

@@Clarks-Adventure Thanks. All is good and I'm working hard to become a live aboard later this year. Cheers!

[@amalHope3]

Your video is great. But I don't agree that young people do not need health insurance. It's not unusual that a young person would have heart problems, cancer, or just a car accident.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes but MOST don't. That's just a risk some people choose to take.

[@victorlisitsin5418]

Love your videos . Very informative. May I ask you which Florida Blue plan you are using ?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Victor. Sure that doesn't seem too personal. It's plan number 1443C. Please share a playlist or two on social media. Clark

[@victorlisitsin5418]

@@Clarks-Adventure That's was quick ! Thanks. I will definitely share it .

[@PierceAlexanderLilholt]

Oh my! ⛵ 😷

[@duhe98]

and everyone would have a kitten....LOL

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Amy. How about sharing on social media?