Can't afford health care? Barter for it
In these cash-strapped times, bartering is gaining popularity – even for dental surgery and prescription drugs. Would you barter for medical care?
From Ms Price Milwaukee, WI I would barter for health care but luckily I don't have to because I have found the most affordable coverage I have ever known through Ameriplan. Plans from 14.99-59.99. Check it out @ http://www.healthcoveragemadeaffordable.com
From Reynaldo Valcarcel, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico Barter sounds great but who pays the taxes (sales, income, etc.)?? I have already seen a large increase in cash only. I know most of that is under the table. Do you see a problem here?
From Tony Smit, Austin TX Barter works up to a point, but every business has to have "money" (cash and checks and credit card payments too) to pay the rent and government taxes (property taxes, business taxes) and pay for materials and services from other businesses that don't barter, especially out-of-town or out-of-state businesses (example – dental supplies and tools). Some people won't feel right bartering, they will want to make some small payment with money.
People who have health insurance through their employer do not have to pay any part of the premiums with after-tax income, and the benefits received from the insurance company are likewise not subject to income tax.
People who do not have health insurance through their employer but still want health insurance have to pay their premiums with after-tax income. They have to meet their deductibles with after-tax income, and get a tax break only if they itemize.
People who do not have health insurance at all have to pay all of their medical bills with after-tax income, and there is no "health-savings account."
For the last two groups of people, they get a tax break when they itemize on their income taxes, which is much later after the bills have been paid.
For low-income people, there will be no reason to itemize as there will be very little tax break because only the amount exceeding the standard and other deductions can qualify.
So for the last group of people, barter for medical help is a way of getting nearly the tax-exempt benefits that people with employer-sponsored health insurance have.
Barter is a form of delayed compensation, and everyone who participates in this kind of system has to be very watchful for those who would abuse the trust required by such a system. Just as there are people who try to cheat the current insurance system, there will be some who will cheat the barter system.
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If you have ANY sort of insurance (including one with high deductable) or Medicare, bartering is illegal. Nice clause put in by the insurance companies and government.