Many insurers have made their rate levels for 2014 available to consumers so they can review them. Based on preliminary indications, policyholders will be assuming more of the expense for medical procedures and treatments, a new report says.
According to insurance information website HealthPocket, the least expensive plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) all have higher out-of-pocket costs than those who already have coverage through a private insurer or employee benefits. Insurers in seven states have reported their numbers and virtually all of them show that consumers will pay more for deductibles, copayments and other fees.
Kev Coleman, head of research and data at the California-based coverage information provider, noted that price is the top issue for consumers today, who are required to buy insurance in 2014.
"People shopping for insurance need to worry about two things: the cost of their monthly premium and what out-of-pocket costs they face," said Coleman. "By considering both factors together rather than in isolation from one another, consumers can make the best financial decision for their healthcare."
Those who wish to purchase coverage through the government can do so by selecting either a Bronze, Silver or Gold plan. The bronze ones are the least expensive.
Colorado is another state that's recently revealed what premiums residents can expect to pay through the state's insurance marketplace. Jim Riesberg, commissioner of Colorado's Division of Insurance, told The Pueblo Chieftain that because of the new requirements mandated by the ACA, the plan packages are all new and premiums levels may be considerably different from what they have been. The Centennial State is one of several that's already given indications to the government that it will operate the insurance marketplaces, rather than leaving it to the charge of federal officials.
