boonewheeler

Haha for real.

East Wind does not use health insurance. We pay out of pocket for medical expenses to the best of our ability. For extreme major medical costs we pay into a joint major medical fund with other FEC communities to distribute such costs. The cost of paying into this was included in the health care expenses.

That fund has paid out $60k for heart surgery for a Twin Oaker, and a $45k emergency helicopter ride for an East Winder.

Taking advantage of state low-income assistance, we manage to enjoy good health care for relatively little.

"The line between a commune and a cult is basically non-existent."

I'd say this is a stretch. Communes can come in all shapes and sizes. Cults are generally centered around a charismatic leader and lack transparency. FEC communities have no central leader, hold land and property in common, and are income sharing.

You hit the nail on the head. As mercutio2 has been pointing out, there are basically three communities like East Wind in America, and together they form the backbone of the Federation of Egalitarian Communities, the FEC.

Out of the thousands that started in the 60's and 70's, these survived because they all had and have successful businesses.

Furthermore, I'd venture to say that most successful intentional communities run a business. The ones that don't probably rely on outside donations or government assistance.

There are a good number of members at East Wind in their late 50's and 60's.

There are also a good number of long term members with memberships of 20,25,30, and one with 40 years.

At East Wind there is retirement after 25 years "on the system" as well as medical retirement.

Do you live in an FEC community?