CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A local photographer who's self employed, just found out the health insurance for him and his wife was going to be nearly $22,000 for next year. He makes too much money for Medicaid, and isn't old enough for Medicare.

Jim Crider, 63, is a diabetic, but he still works hard every day. His 60-year-old wife, Pat works with him. She’s a breast cancer survivor. They just found out much of the money they get for selling portraits next year will go health insurance.

“The total was $21,889 per year. That is insurance for Pat and I. This is not a great policy. It’s a policy with a thousand dollar deductible,” he said.

The Criders felt helpless and also frustrated. They also provide insurance for three employees at their studio.

“We need something to happen because its just getting where we can't pay the insurance and we don't know where to go,” Pat said.

Eric Woods is an insurance broker representing a number of companies. He came over to the Criders' home to see if he could help them.

He suggests two policies; one with a very high deductible and another gap policy to cover the deductible.

“I look at health insurance as a necessary burden. We need it, we just hate paying for it, and for the most part, people are paying too much money for health insurance,” he said.

As small businesspeople, the Criders lived the American dream. But now, say they're paying dearly for their entrepreneurship. Woods advises families like the criders to find a broker they're comfortable with that represents several agencies and compare shop around to save money.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance is getting complaints about high prices from people like the Criders all the time. Representatives admit there are no easy answers. There is a high-risk pool that will be up and running in North Carolina next year. That's where people who have some health issues like cancer and diabetes can pool together for insurance at a lower cost.

For More Information: NC Department of Insurance Consumer Services 800-546-5664 NC Department of Insurance

High-Risk Pool NC High-Risk Pool