Everything you need to know...
Public Marketplace
Has plenty of names (Obamacare, marketplace, public plans, or state plans) it really varies from state to state. These are income based options. The benefits may not show for the price you could end up paying, but this is the most full coverage route you can go outside of an employer.
Public Marketplace vs. Private Marketplace
What is the big deal and why does it matter what route I go?
- Do you qualify for any government subsidy assistance programs?
- Do you have specific preexisting condition or medications you need coverage for?
- What are your medical needs? Do you just need something catastrophic?
The list goes on and on, which makes finding the specific plan for your unique situation so hard to do on your own if you don't know the right questions to ask like stated above.
Private Marketplace- How do you get access?
You most likely typed in your information on a quote software website, which means brokers, agencies, or advisors are reaching out or you had a friends, family, or acquaintances refer you.
Terminology
Just like any other field of study is it beneficial to have a glossary of terms set aside and defined before getting into your search. This ensures you do not get overwhelmed by the process and make an impulsive decision with a plan with more drawbacks or restrictions than what you expected since you didn't know the right questions to ask.
List of Services
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DeductibleList Item 1
This is what you are responsible meeting on your own in medical expenses before insurance pays towards expenses.
Example: $0-$10,000 typically
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Max Out of PocketList Item 2
The deductible plus this amount is your total loss before insurance cover expenses to the total policy cap they are willing to pay out.
Example: $500-$10,000 in addition to the deductible typically
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NetworkList Item 3
Usually the secondary name on your insurance, this includes a group of doctors and medical care providers among various specialities, specified under the carrier how the insurance will contract with each facility on that specific plan.
Example: Bronze 5900, Connect 0, Choice Plus, Silver S01S, Gold G07L, ETC.
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CarrierList Item 4
Is the big name brand behind your insurance. What facilities will file under.
Example: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Ambetter, MultiPlan, etc.
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MEC
Otherwise known as minimum essential coverage. Only the ACA and Obamacare plans include all levels of this for the security of the insured, all private market options not equired to include all 10.
Example: Ambulatory patient Services, Emergency Services, Pregnancy Maternity and Newborn care, Mental Health and substance use disorders including behavioral health treatment, Prescription drugs, Rehabilitative services, Hospitalization, Laboratory services, Preventative and Wellness Services, and Pediatric Services, and Oral and Vision care
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Contracted Rate/Negotiated Rate
This is how your Network and carrier come together with your direct provider, hospital, or physician to give you a percentage off of that visit.
Example: Can be anywhere from 0-90% depending on the facility or doctor your insurance files through
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Policy Cap
What the insurance company pays upto on a policy year or lifetime basis can be anywhere from 50,000-unlimited.
Example: not required to cover-unlimited based on the specific policy
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Guaranteed Renewable
Means that you never have to reenroll into health insurance, auto renewing typically allows for lower annual increases. Typically only subject to inflation.
Example: Sign up once and stay on until you are 65 ready for Medicare. Also, can cancel anytime
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Guaranteed Issue
Whatever policy you choose to enroll into cannot deny you for having the coverage.
Example: All Obamacare plans
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Medically Underwritten
Typically have to go through an application. Can either consist of blood and urine or simple background and medical questionnare.
Example: Most private market options with the same full coverage carriers as guaranteed issued.
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Copays
A fixed amount set aside by the insurance company for simple routine medical expenses.
Example: $25 for primary, $45 for speciality, $10 generic prescriptions
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1st dollar benefits
What the insurance company will pay towards medical expenses.
Example: $100 towards primary and speciality, $800 towards ER visits. (Can result in the insured getting paid for services depending on cost of provider)
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Exclusions/Limitations
What a health insurance policy will not cover, unless deemed medically necessary in unique scenarios. Can have separate caps for certain items.
Example: In-Vitro fertilization except in participating states
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Preventative Care
Basic routine services that aid in the prevention of illnesses, diseases or any other sicknesses. Most yearly visits and health screenings fall under these categories.
Example: Mammogram, pap smear, physical exam, colonoscopy, etc