In speaking with many of you casually it has come to my attention that many of us attend racing events without healthcare insurance of any kind. In defense of this, it is not uncommon for younger folks, that being those of you in your 20's, to not have healthcare insurance as the reality is you really have no use for it. At that age it is not common to get sick often or go to see the doctor on a regular basis. At that age the likelihood that you will need a doctor, aside from trauma, is low. So most in that age group don't carry it. Fine. However, going to a racing event without it is not only reckless but really irresponsible and here is why.
Careflight's cost $5000.00 to $7000.00. Walking into the ER before any tests are done $800.00. Cat Scan, MRI or any other testing $1000- $1500 at least; each! Consultation by physicians or surgeons starts at $500.00 and god forbid you need surgery, forget it. For example, my friend shattered his shoulder last year at Barber and his total hospital bill was over $100,000. Of which all, except for his deductible, was paid for by his insurance carrier.
For those of you who don't think you can afford a plan please consider the following. You can become a member of Careflight for $49.00/year which means they will cover most of the expense of a flight. If you think you can't afford healthcare insurance look into having a major medical only plan which means a big hit, like a motorcycle crash with fractures and such, will be covered. Price will be likely $100.00 to $200.00/month. Also, if you need to save money, which in this day and age we all do, get a plan with a high deductible. This will keep your monthly payments low. A high deductible will mean that you will be responsible for a larger portion of the bill. For example, if you have a $2500.00 deductible and your hospital bill is $100,000, you only have to pay the $2500.00. Sounds pretty good when you put it that way.
I've been really impressed by what a great organization the CMRA is and I'm proud to have become a part of it. I've met a bunch of really nice folks and I'm just trying to do my part to keep you all healthy and racing. If any of you have any questions feel free to contact me via this board or in my office: 817-375-0300. I have great insurance guy, who aside from thinking I'm nuts for racing, gets very affordable insurance for me and my staff.
You're all free to do as you wish. This is just food for thought. See you all at ECR.
And I like to thank Walter for fishing my bike out of the tumble weeds at MSR.
