Health Insurance

Are you sure about the "emergency" portion of your policy. I tried to buy a new policy under the obamacare provisions, but I could not find one that would pay for emergency care outside of network.

I'm surprised Anthem BS/BS doesn't cover you. I had it for several years before medicare. When I was out of area I couldn't just go in for routine things like a physical. Could always go in for medical problems. I now carry it as a secondary to medicare and it was transferred from CA to WY. Takes a little longer to get approved. Must be filed in WY then sent to CA but never a problem.

For a large national network, you need a PPO rather than an HMO. BCBS offers them in many states, including Florida and Virginia. I have mine in Maryland but can use it across the country. While my plan is a result of the ACA, I purchased my plan directly from BCBS. It was the same price and, since I didn't qualify for subsidies, faster and easier. Check ehealthinsurance.com for various plans and pricing.

We side-stepped Obamacare all together with Liberty Health Share

Cadillac of plans for both of us for $350 per month total.

Just for the record... no affiliation whatsoever with these folks. We're just happy Obamacare side-steppers.

blangen wrote:
We side-stepped Obamacare all together with Liberty Health Share

Cadillac of plans for both of us for $350 per month total.

Just for the record... no affiliation whatsoever with these folks. We're just happy Obamacare side-steppers.

although I admire Obamacare side-steppers, I am a little leery of the communal health coverage. wait till a bunch of extremely expensive events hit the group. How many people is the group composed of?
bumpy

Bumpyroad wrote:

blangen wrote:
We side-stepped Obamacare all together with Liberty Health Share

Cadillac of plans for both of us for $350 per month total.

Just for the record... no affiliation whatsoever with these folks. We're just happy Obamacare side-steppers.

although I admire Obamacare side-steppers, I am a little leery of the communal health coverage. wait till a bunch of extremely expensive events hit the group. How many people is the group composed of?
bumpy

How many members? Don't have a clue but it is nationally available. I'm guessing they are doing very well as they are one of just a few that claim to be "approved" ACA alternatives. In my opinion, I don't see a difference between them and insurance companies.... other than they're considerably cheaper. Interesting that you would think an insurance company is any more stable (if hit with large bills). After all, these are all just "pools" of managed risk. I don't see a difference.

Edit added: Actually, to be fair, let me clarify... we have never submitted a medical bill to them. We use them for catastrophic needs should they ever arise. For all the little stuff, we pay cash and usually get a much reduced rate. So... I'm not telling you how wonderful they are... just that they exist as an alternative to the ACA. Lots of info on the website.

According to a post, the membership was around 3000 in October 2013.
Liberty Healthshare is one of only 5 approved ministries because the ministry had to exist before 1999, a rule of ACA.
For the first year, pre-existing conditions are not covered and are covered at a reduced rate for the next three years of membership.
Just like regular health insurance, your claim can be denied.
their website states that last month, they paid out $104K in claims.
They are not rated with the BBB because they did not submit requested information.

If this works for people it could be a great alternative. For me, with life threatening pre-existing conditions (currently in remission) I cannot take the risk.

Many If not most of the plans offered in the private market have to meet the standards as set by the ACA. They are also not allowed to underwrite the policies other than for smokers or age. As a result they severly limit the networks and out of state coverage. Mine provides coverage out of network on an emergency basis only. It's expensive, has high deductibles, but does prevent me from going broke from a medical emergency.

Don't get sick out of network/state or be prepared to pay.

Check with an independent insurance agent who specializes in health insurance. Because insurance agents are licensed by the state, you'll want one located in your domicile.

Ask about an HSA qualified plan. This offers the best tax advantages.

Todd

are these cooperatives regulated the same as other "normal" health insurance companies? I heard on the news this morning that 500,000 (or 700,000 don't remember which) people who originally signed up for Obamacare have dropped it.
bumpy