If You’re Young & Healthy, Getting Health Insurance Before 2014 Will Save You Lots
Many older people with preexisting medical conditions will save money by buying insurance on the new health care exchanges. However, lower premiums for older, sicker Americans are being offset by higher premiums for young adults with no health problems. Those in the latter group are facing sticker shock as they discover they will pay more – perhaps a lot more – for health insurance in 2014, especially if they are among the estimated 7.3 million people who are not eligible for subsidies on the exchanges.
Obamacare proponents argue that the new plans cost more because they cover more, which is true. All policies with effective dates in 2014 must cover a minimum of 10 “essential benefits” defined under the law, such as mental healthcare, maternity coverage, and preventative services. Additionally, insurers can no longer deny coverage to applicants with preexisting conditions. However, many young people with no health problems are questioning whether they really need all of the coverage mandated under Obamacare. As a result, they are not signing up for insurance plans.
Unhappy with what you found on the exchanges? You may be able to save money with a 2013 major medical plan.
Following a slew of outrage over insurers canceling insurance plans that policyholders were perfectly happy with, the Obama Administration is allowing insurers to keep selling major medical plans that do not meet all of the Obamacare coverage requirements through the end of 2013, with coverage effective through the end of 2014. If you are young, have no preexisting conditions, and do not go to the doctor very often, a major medical policy may be a better deal than the comprehensive policies on the exchanges.
Health-Life-Dental-Insurance.com offers a selection of affordable health plans that are ideal for healthy young individuals and don't cost as much for those as the new 2014 health exchange plans. Many young healthy individuals are finding that getting a health plan before 2014 will save them quite a bit next year. Plans available through Health-Life-Dental-Insurance.com have rates locked in until the end of 2014; ensuring no surprises next year.
The Other Alternative: Fixed Benefit Plans
If you're a healthy young individual and don't need the extra coverage that a 2014 health exchange plan gives you such as maternity coverage, birth control, and behavioral health, then you need to get a plan before 2014; you will save significantly.
However, if you have a pre-existing condition or would rather pay the penalty next year, you can get a fixed-benefit health plan. A fixed benefit health plan is not considered qualifying health coverage and so you'll have to pay the 1% penalty next year. However, many individuals that do not qualify for a subsidy are finding that their premiums are still way too expensive and paying the penalty will be much cheaper. You still need health coverage though, and that's where a fixed-benefit plan can come in handy.
In addition to fixed-benefit cash payments for services, Assurant Health Access policyholders enjoy significant network discounts on prescriptions, doctor’s office and retail clinic visits, and outpatient lab services, and the discounts continue even if the plan limit is exceeded. Assurant also offers several benefits that no other fixed-benefit provider has, including a proprietary Price Check system, where policyholders can get guaranteed cost estimates on common services and treatments; member healthcare advocates who provide personalized advice on navigating the healthcare system; and professional negotiators who can help patients request discounts and set up payment plans on large outstanding medical bills.
All three tiers of the fixed-benefit plans offer immediate coverage with no deductibles, and the money-saving benefits start right away. You can buy a fixed-benefit Health Access plan from Health-Life-Dental-Insurance.com any time you'd like; however, if you're healthy and would rather have a cheaper major medical plan and lock in that cheaper rate for all of 2014, you need purchase it before 2014; don't delay, act now. Get a quote at Health-Life-Dental-Insurance.com.
Still not sure what to do? We’re here to help!
While major medical policies can offer significant savings to younger, healthier policyholders, if you have a preexisting medical condition, a 2014 health exchange plan may be a better fit for you. However, if you're a healthy young individual, then consider getting a plan now and locking in your rate for 2014.
We understand how confusing the health insurance marketplace is, and our professional insurance agents are here to help you build a health insurance package that will provide the coverage you need. Click here to set up your profile, explore your options, and compare prices online, or call us at 1-800-257-1723.