[Highwayguy09]

I cant understand why I cant use my health cards. its like a high dectibale. meaning I have to pay over twelve thousand to get a physical. and the sore knees will never get done.but we all should be grateful for Obama care.

[hellob]

The physical should have nothing to do with the deductible afaik. That's part of the essential care.

[tuebor]

I wonder what you mean by "a physical". That phrase usually means a physical examination, but a physical examination doesn't cost $12,000. Do you mean physical therapy or something? I have a high-deductible "bronze" plan, but I've never paid a cent for my annual physical exam.

If you anticipate an expensive procedure, run the numbers and see if it is in your interest to pay higher monthly premiums and get a lower deductible (you'll have to figure this out before the deadline for enrolling, so it's too late for this year). Look around and see if you can talk to someone in your area who can can sit down with you and help you navigate the system and find the plan that will best meet your needs. Some hospitals or other organizations offer this service free of charge.

[highlanderfil]

No.

And my guess is that there's a lot more about Obamacare that you don't understand, not just "using your health cards".

[VM1138]

You're guaranteed an annual checkup physical with every kind of insurance now. As for the high deductible, that's a known issue and you'll probably never get to use your insurance. I don't have Obamacare but my work insurance is the same thing. It sucks.

[highlanderfil]

Originally Posted by VM1138

You're guaranteed an annual checkup physical with every kind of insurance now. As for the high deductible, that's a known issue and you'll probably never get to use your insurance. I don't have Obamacare but my work insurance is the same thing. It sucks.

You still get to use it (I have a HD plan, as well) because the insurance vs. cash rates are different, but it will be a while before you feel the effects.

[CatzPaw]

Your policy likely has a network associated with it as nearly all policies offered this year were HMOs. You should be able to call any doctor that IS IN YOUR PLAN'S NETWORK and make an appointment for a wellness exam. Depending on what your plan specifies, you may have a small copay. Go get the basics looked at and depending on what you find out, worry about the rest later.

[VM1138]

Originally Posted by highlanderfil

You still get to use it (I have a HD plan, as well) because the insurance vs. cash rates are different, but it will be a while before you feel the effects.

What do you mean? I'd still have to shell out to meet the deductible, so I can technically use it, but I'd have to be in a pretty bad way in order to do so. It's urgent care for me. Luckily I haven't needed any medical care in over a decade, I've avoided injuries and just ride out any sort of illness, but I doubt that pattern is going to hold.

[Highwayguy09]

Thanks all who replyed. yes I did mean a physical exam or general check up. Its like I get scared cause they offer me just one doctor and I thought I could pick a few from a list. I'm kind of old fashion and would like a male doctor.

[Geo-Aggie]

The for-profit, predatory medical and pharmaceutical industries are driving me crazy, but the ACA (Obamacare) is only a failed attempt at doing something about the out of control prices and difficult access for the working and lower-middle class, at the expense of anyone making more than 200% poverty level. More importantly though, I'm disappointed in the overall lack of price regulation and lobbying power of the two industries, but Obamacare, despite its ineffectiveness and overall general failure, is not to blame for the fact that healthcare access in America is mediocre and absurdly expensive.

For that, you've got to blame the laissez faire attitude of Washington to the powerful mega-corps who fund their campaigns in exchange for the continued lack of regulation. Step back. Look at every other wealthy nation in the world. Why do they have more affordable and equally effective healthcare access? What's the variable that we do differently? You go ahead and answer that for yourself. Be objective.