Once the first sign ups occurred, we hear all about the stories of how bad the new plans are. One woman in California went on TV to complain about her new plan. She has to pay more and doesn't like her new coverage. Here's the real story. She currently has a catastrophic plan through Anthem where she pays $293/month which entitles her to a $5000 deductible, limits her out of pocket to $8500, and a $40 copay for each of the two doctor appointments she is allowed each year. Everything else is all out of pocket. The new Affordable Care Act considers this an nonconforming plan.
She was quoted a new plan for $478/month. Which she didn't like. But the real story is that is way more than she will pay. Due to her income she is eligible to discounts. She could get a discounted plan for $333/month which has a $2000 deductible, $6350 out of pocket maximum, and as many doctor appointments as she wants with copays of $45 for primary care and $65 for specialists. At her age, 60, I think this would probably be a good fit but if its still if its more than she wants to pay there is another lower cost plan available for $194/month which allows as many doctor visits as she wants and a $5000 deductible and a $6350 out of pocket maximum.
Finally her income fluctuates and currently she would be eligible for subsidies to help pay the premiums.
If I was her I would go for one of the two plans where I can go to the doctor as many times as I need. Being limited to two covered visits per year works if you are a healthy 20 something.
A little more research might have discovered these options for her.
And a little less bias in the media might have made these options more visible.
On the other side of the coin is the story of the woman who found a plan for a premium of $1.11 per month. Yes that is one dollar and eleven cents each month.
1 comment:
Thank u for putting forth factual info to offset so many of the myths out their about The Affordable Health Care Law.
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