Health insurance premiums?

[vagari]

I was paying like $150 a month for the past couple of years for my own non-employer plan. It was just a high deductible, catastrophic plan. It was ideal for me. Remember that $150 per month.

Now here are my options on the marketplace
Bronze 40% co-insurance (yes!) $281 / month
Silver 30% co-insurance (yes!) $353 / month

I did learn you can buy ACA plans off the marketplace
Avera has HSA plan for 297 / month with 0% co-insurance (I think) but its confusing.

I'm getting screwed over now for health insurance. I am paying penalty this year as its much cheaper like $50-60 a month. Now you have to be sure not to get an HMO plan if you want to travel. You also need to make sure your plan has coverage outside your state.

Here's a good site with some information
http://rverhealthinsurance.com/

 

[jeanontheroad]

I think plans like yours are being phased out, vagari. You'll have to pay more, but you'll also get more. Not everyone is happy, even tho many are. Are you eligible for subsidies? I read in a recent article that with subsidies, most new policy holders are paying able $100 to $150 a month.

 

[vagari]

My plan was cancelled by the ins. company a while back as it did not meet ACA standards. I am not eligible for a subsidy this year, but I don't have an extra 200 per month right now either which is the price increase for me. So I cannot afford to buy a plan. I will have to be uninsured and pay the penalty right now as it's cheaper (350 vs 60 a month). Paying more doesn't mean getting more, especially when you don't use what your paying for.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Well, I am sorry to hear that. I know several people for whom it has been a great good, but in any program this big, there are always those for whom it will no be. One size seldom really fits all.

Perhaps by next sign up time, some of the changes that are being talked about will make it better for you.

 

[vagari]

You're right. Nothing is ever perfect. It's not the end of the world for me, just have to make some adjustments this coming year. I'm just grateful my health is good.

 

[compassrose]

jeanontheroad: I CANNOT afford the $700 - $800 PER MONTH for the Bronze level and we still would have a $5000 yearly deductable. I have looked into it. We DO NOT qualify for subsidies. We fall into the "inbetween" area (too poor to buy insurance and still pay our meager bills plus have anything left over for food and too affluent - yeah right - to qualify for subsidies or welfare). So if it works for you, great. But for US (and I know of plenty of others), the so called "Affordable Care Act" most definately ISN'T. I don't know what part of "We don't qualify for subsidies" or "We can't afford insurance" you don't understand, but I really do not care.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Everyone probably has already researched where they stand. However, for those who have not, Google the Henry J Kaiser subsidy calulator. It's a place to start.

 

[LeeRevell]

As of July 1st I am now retired from my state job. I paid $50 into the state HMO plan while the employer paid $550. So now, I will be paying the full $600 a month to maintain this plan. I can do this from savings for awhile til I can find another job. If the next employer provides health insurance at least comparable to what I get now, I might change to it. One thing is certain, I will avoid the overbearing and problem-ridden o-care nonsense like the plague it is. I will go without health insurance before I kowtow to that nonsense. Just my personal preferences.
I like my current plan and would really like to keep it. It saved me a huge amount two years ago when I had a major medical emergency! No deductible, cheap meds (relatively speaking) and fairly cheap doctor visits ($40 co-pay).

 

[offroad]

So this discussion thread is making it very clear. You need be concerned for medical insurance. Many choose to just gamble.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

The more I read about people's insurance rates and problems with choosing, etc, the happier I am that the VA takes care of my health needs.
I have no premiums, no co-pays, no BS, and have always had excellent care.

Margie, not having an income of any kind, is covered by state insurance. Only problem there is that we have to be in the state where she's covered. We can only hope she has no emergencies as we travel. Its a risk, but one she's willing to take.

 

[Zil]

I know you are posting about regular health insurance. But I just looked into my medicare supplement. Most states are in the range of $140 to $170 per month for "plan F". Except Florida, $253 per month. Anyone offer me a clue as to why so much more?

 

[offroad]

Zil - Florida has highest population of elderly. Big strain on their budgets and subsidies. The have to raise the funds somewhere.

 

[Zil]

Medicare and various letter indicated supplements all have the exact same coverage across the USA. Medicare payments are fixed by law and the supplements just pick up deductibles on medicare approved amounts. Even with more demand by all the seniors in Fla, the providers don't collect more money than the providers in Carolina.