Health Insurance thru the exchange

[Bos2RDU]

Thanks for everyone's input. It was very helpful.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by North_Pinellas_Guy

Honestly, look outside the exchange. I don't know how much things have change, but we found our own BCBS plans in 2005 in NC and they were less than $200/mo.

As far as I know, no insurance company in NC is writing NEW individual health insurance plans that are OUTSIDE the exchange.

Those that had individual policies that were in place in 2012 have been allowed to keep that same policy OR move to a polucy on the exchange. If you are eligible for subsidies, you must change to an exchange policy to get your subsidy.

In 2012, we moved to NC and I purchased BCBS individual insurance, HSA PPO with a $5000 deductible. I was a female, non smoking 52 year old with no hospitalizations or medical issues in decades, but with 3 required perscription meds. Cost in 2012 was $350 per month. Cost of the exact same policy in 2016 is $678 per month. I have yet to collect a dime from BCBS as I never have exceeded $700 in medical costs per year.

And yet, I consider myself lucky to have this plan. The most similar plan on the exchange would be costing me slightly more for a higher deductible! (Obviously, I don't qualify for a subsidy.)

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

As far as I know, no insurance company in NC is writing NEW individual health insurance plans that are OUTSIDE the exchange.

Those that had individual policies that were in place in 2012 have been allowed to keep that same policy OR move to a polucy on the exchange. If you are eligible for subsidies, you must change to an exchange policy to get your subsidy.

In 2012, we moved to NC and I purchased BCBS individual insurance, HSA PPO with a $5000 deductible. I was a female, non smoking 52 year old with no hospitalizations or medical issues in decades, but with 3 required perscription meds. Cost in 2012 was $350 per month. Cost of the exact same policy in 2016 is $678 per month. I have yet to collect a dime from BCBS as I never have exceeded $700 in medical costs per year.

And yet, I consider myself lucky to have this plan. The most similar plan on the exchange would be costing me slightly more for a higher deductible! (Obviously, I don't qualify for a subsidy.)

Excellent info. Thx for posting. I only read the fist page of the BCBSNC link I posted and I got the impression you could still get a private plan, but get a subsidy to help pay for it. I guess not. I cannot believe how much prices have gone UP in only ONE year!

Thx for a real life example. You rock, as always!