SIMPLIFY HEALTHCARE INTO TWO CATEGORIES- THE SCARY & THE ANN
THE SCARY - I"m walking out of the hospital, what is this going to cost me ?
The higher the deductible - the lower your premium.
THE ANNOYING - Costs for going to the doctor, for lab work, tests or prescriptions can add up. But, they generally aren't scary.
GOODRX.COM is a great site to shop your meds. Most pharmaceutical companies have discount programs for the even the most expensive meds. You can shop everything from MRI's to Colonoscopes.
MORE ABOUT PLANS FOR HEALTHY FOLKS - SHORT TERM PLANS
Don't decline yourself without looking through the questions the alternative plans ask.
Eligibility for Short Term Plans requires that the answer to a question similar to the one below be NO:
Within the last 5 years has any applicant had a diagnosis, symptoms, an abnormal test result or received treatment, medication or consultation for: •cancer or malignant melanoma; •atrial fibrillation or abnormal heart rhythm, heart disorders, angina, heart attack or heart failure; •stroke; •uncontrolled hypertension; •diabetes except gestational (does not apply to residents of DC); •hepatitis C or liver or kidney disorders; •organ transplant; •chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema; rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative disk disease; •hemophilia, leukemia or blood disorders; •multiple dystrophy or sclerosis; •alcohol or drug abuse or misuse; •bipolar, schizophrenia; •or eating disorders?
Pre-existing Conditions or Need Maternity Coverage
No coverage thru work & don't own a business & need maternity or unhealthy ? Your only option:
Open enrollment starts November 1st each year for individual plans. You may only enroll during that period.
If you have moved, had a child or gotten married you may be eligible for a special enrollment exception.
I quit doing healthcare.gov apps for folks so you can go directly thru them by clicking below.
If you live outside of Chatham County, I do BCBS and can help you if you are eligible to enroll.
COVERAGE AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR JOB ?
Coverage through your employer is usually partially paid by your employer and is in most cases pre-tax.
It may be less expensive for you to enroll your spouse or children in a separate plan. Click shop coverage under option 1 to confirm.
OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS ?
If you own your own business and have at least two (non-immediate family member) employees, it may make sense for you to establish a small group plan.
YOUR PREMIUMS IN A GROUP PLAN ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES TO YOUR BUSINESS.
Let us know if this is something you would be interested in exploring.
Don't let these things confuse you. We'll do the best we can to help you.
Please don't shoot the messenger :)