I have been researching a bit into family medical, dental, vision plans in Idaho (Most likely Boise Metro). We live in Portland, but it's getting worse and just would like to be around more like minded people. I am able to find very little in the way of medical coverage and costs. I just have a few questions, if someone could give their input I would appreciate it. State / school district employees what kind of coverage do you have and how much do you have to pay per month? My wife works for the school district here and everything is covered for the family (Medical/dental/vision) with very low $10 co-pay. Is there something like this available in Idaho? What are the choices for an average family? We were just researching wages a bit and realized they were about $35% lower, but if you have to pay medical expenses also, how does the average family get by?

We would like a bit slower pace, drier weather and conservative views. I guess we are just tired of being the minority here and it's only getting worse. We have 3 children so excellent schools are a priority.

I don't have any info for you, but I wanted to say a bit about Portland.  When the liberal powers that be in that town forced Chief of Police Mark Kroeker out, they pulled the handle on the final flush for that city.  He is a very good man, and has a great family.  He was one of my teachers while in my teenage years.  He helped teach me to hunt, gave me good advice about life and being a man, and reprimanded me (along with his son), when we did stupid stuff.   He never used his position (while I was around, he was Deputy Chief of Police in Los Angeles) to get us out of trouble, including his son.

Good guy, crappy city.  Good luck on your potential move!

Eric 

It all depends on what district and what plan you choose.  Most of the information is available on their websites. We have low monthly but very high deductibles. Some things are just easier to pay cash vs deal with insurance as the price is much less. Boise proper is almost as bad as Portland but outlying areas are better. Pm if you want any specifics as both missus and I are .edu

Thanks for the input. What you are saying confirms what I am finding. Lower premiums but high deductibles. Combined with the lower wages it seems a serious injury or health could really set you back or bury you financially. We are just trying to find out how the heck it's done over there. 

Cash or catastrophic policy if you think you need it.  BCBS does offer pretty decent policies, albeit higher deductibles. Yeah sure, I could work in other parts of the country and make 2x but the cost of living and assholes wouldn't be worth it.

Zero Care pretty much fucked health care affordability everywhere.