2014 Health Insurance Premiums - Ouch!

[amc80]

I'm sure a lot of you out there are going through open enrollment for 2014 soon. We just got our info today. We were told over email that premiums will be a bit higher than they are right now. oh, and that the best/post popular option is no longer going to be an option. I finally got the info and I now get to pay 40% more for crappier coverage (actually, coverage is the same, but there is now a deductible and certain copays are more).

Anyone else getting good news like this?

 

[tyty333]

The large company my husband works for is switching to a whole new insurance company so...we can keep some of
our doctors but not all of them AND the cost is going up for the same level of care. We used to just have to pay a co -pay
but now we have to cover a deductible. So not only have cost gone up, we cant keep all our docs we also have to deal
with pain in the you know what deductibles!

 

[perry]

The last several years have seen major changes by my Company's Health Insurance Coverage as they came into compliance with the what might be called the "Affordable Care Act;" (or whatever it is called) except, in my case it has roughly doubled the cost of my insurance from several years ago when you consider the deductibles and co-pays - and I cannot wait for the final increase for next year.

My age/wage group is clearly subsidizing someone else's insurance in a big way (it used to be that the cost of our age group was based only the cost of providing service to only that group - and we got breakdowns every year on the per person cost for the group the previous year as an explanation as to why rates changed. Now we get the same breakdown - with another added line "ACA" (or whatever the initials are) for comparison to previous costs. ACA is now about the same size as our actual service cost).

Have a great day,

Perry

 

[bright ice]

I don't think anyone is going to be pleased with their insurance premiums or coverage with Obama Care. But suck it up because it's reality!

 

[bebe]

Our premiums have increased by $200.00mo. Our ins. is holding to that premium but only for 2014. I hate to see what is coming.

 

[madelise]

Everyone I know is upset over this whole thing, but I'm one of those people who got rejected for coverage due to pre-existing conditions. I've been uninsured for years since I left my job to go back to school full-time. I'm happy to finally get insurance. There are always pros and cons. It is what it is, but on a personal level, I feel happy that I don't have to fear getting sick or injured.

I definitely don't agree with it 100% since I know there are flaws, but I'm not against it either since I work in healthcare and have seen people die because they couldn't afford to go into the emergency room and waited too long. Financial burdens are scary. Someone very close and dear to me passed at a young age because he had no insurance and couldn't afford the ER.

 

[ericad]

The exchanges don't open until tomorrow. How is it that people are already certain of what their plans will cost if they haven't priced them on the exchange yet? I understand that you might receive a letter that your current plan is changing or increasing in cost, but until the exchanges open, you can't price shop it against all other carriers in the marketplace. Isn't it possible that you'll find a plan comparable to your own but with a different carrier? Until you see all of the available options, how do you know what is and isn't possible? If your current carrier is jacking up the price for a lower level of benefit, then you'll want to shop around and maybe fire your current carrier, right? That's the point of the exchange.

Of course, if carriers are taking advantage and price gouging to pad their corporate bottom line, or out of spite, then the blame lies with those carriers, and not with health care reform.

Our insurance is through my husband's employer, and we've seen exorbitant price increases year after year for over a decade. So any price increase we see at the next open enrollment won't be Obama's fault or the fault of health care reform. I'm personally thrilled that everyone can have insurance now. I know too many who roll the dice and go uninsured due to preexisting conditions making them ineligible for health care, which drives up the cost for everyone else when they wind up in the ER for preventable conditions, and walk out with a bill they can't pay.

I know there are many who hate healthcare reform. But it's here, it's the law, so let's maybe try giving it a chance. It might even take a few years to balance out and for the marketplace to become really competitive, which will benefit us all and drive the prices back down.

Just like brussels sprouts, how do you know you don't like it if you don't try it?

 

[amc80]

The exchanges don't open until tomorrow. How is it that people are already certain of what their plans will cost if they haven't priced them on the exchange yet? I understand that you might receive a letter that your current plan is changing or increasing in cost, but until the exchanges open, you can't price shop it against all other carriers in the marketplace. Isn't it possible that you'll find a plan comparable to your own but with a different carrier? Until you see all of the available options, how do you know what is and isn't possible? If your current carrier is jacking up the price for a lower level of benefit, then you'll want to shop around and maybe fire your current carrier, right? That's the point of the exchange. Of course, if carriers are taking advantage and price gouging to pad their corporate bottom line, or out of spite, then the blame lies with those carriers, and not with health care reform. Our insurance is through my husband's employer, and we've seen exorbitant price increases year after year for over a decade. So any price increase we see at the next open enrollment won't be Obama's fault or the fault of health care reform. I'm personally thrilled that everyone can have insurance now. I know too many who roll the dice and go uninsured due to preexisting conditions making them ineligible for health care, which drives up the cost for everyone else when they wind up in the ER for preventable conditions, and walk out with a bill they can't pay. I know there are many who hate healthcare reform. But it's here, it's the law, so let's maybe try giving it a chance. It might even take a few years to balance out and for the marketplace to become really competitive, which will benefit us all and drive the prices back down. Just like brussels sprouts, how do you know you don't like it if you don't try it?

My coverage is through my company and the prices were listed today. My state's approved prices are already listed as well on the exchange. I really shouldn't complain- the best plan offered through the exchange is way worse than the best one offered by my company. So I'm happy with the coverage I am getting, just not thrilled with the huge price increase. I could choose a worse plan with inferior coverage and pay less, but it choose not to.

 

[ericad]

I just talked with my husband and he received his open enrollment docs this week. Zero price increase and no changes to his plan. We're with Regence in WA. Interesting to see the variance and terrible for those who are losing benefits or experiencing dramatic price increases. This is the first year we didn't have an increase. I recall premium increases of 25%+ in prior years.

 

[makhro82]

Mine opened today. For myself and husband it is $115, up slightly from $108. If it had gone up more I wouldn't mind. I do believe that everyone is ENTITLED to health care coverage. They make it work in Canada and the UK so we can too. I know their systems and our new systems aren't perfect, but it's a start. And if I have up pay a little more money somewhere so that someone else doesn't have to choose between living or dying, hunger or a hot meal, or homelessness for a home because of medical costs, I'm okay with that.

 

[chrono]

I am saddened to read of so many stories (not just on PS) that the coverage has gone decreased, premiums have increased, deductibles has increased or any combination of the three. For some of those who are already having a difficult time affording healthcare, this means their prescription might not be covered at all, so they still have to pay a high insurance premium AND out-of-pocket medicine.

 

[JewelFreak]

Wait until you see how long it takes to see a doctor, have a procedure done. I lived under socialized med & it sounds great on paper, but the reality is not so much fun, nor so much good health.

 

[makhro82]

Wait until you see how long it takes to see a doctor, have a procedure done. I lived under socialized med & it sounds great on paper, but the reality is not so much fun, nor so much good health.

I just scheduled a doctor's appointment and it was a month and a half out. What's your normal wait?

I'm sure it stinks to wait BUT you eventually get what you need as opposed to never if you can't afford it or being saddled with debt FOREVER.

 

[ericad]

My husband is French. When they need routine care, the wait times can be shorter than we have here (ever had to schedule an annual? Can take forever!) and the quality of care is excellent. They do have to wait a bit for specialized things - MRI's, etc. They have an enviable system and not a single French person I know would trade it for ours, even with the occasional wait time. Sad to say, but I get a real comfort that DD is a dual citizen, and I'm working on obtaining my French citizenship as well. Just in case.

 

[movie zombie]

Wait until you see how long it takes to see a doctor, have a procedure done. I lived under socialized med & it sounds great on paper, but the reality is not so much fun, nor so much good health.

Jewel, we have what is considered good healthcare through hubby's employer. and every year more costs are transferred to us either in increased share of cost for premium and/or deductible is raised.

I would also add that I see my gyn every 3 months for a check up and i have to book 2 months in advance.....and even then i get a call from the office 90% of the time telling me they need to reschedule.

we pay more and get less. the insurance company tells us what we can and cannot do regardless of dr recommendation. and all the while the insurance companies keep on making more and more $.

 

[justginger]

Wait until you see how long it takes to see a doctor, have a procedure done. I lived under socialized med & it sounds great on paper, but the reality is not so much fun, nor so much good health.

??

My socialized medicine is bloody awesome. Doctors visits often on the same day, specialists routinely run 4-6 weeks (or you can be put on the cancellations list, of course). Had one op about 18 months ago without private insurance, on medicare only - think I was scheduled in about 8 weeks in advance (and I was the one who set the date, as my parents would be down here at that time). Friend here with no private health has torn his shoulder ligament recently. ED visit, full MRI same day, X rays, etc. Cost him exactly $120 out of pocket, zero wait time.

 

[gem_anemone]

Not to be a downer, but the whole point of implementing the Affordable Care Act is so people who work jobs that do not offer affordable health care and people with pre-existing condtions can now get care. It is inevitable that this will incurr a cost those of us that were doing well before. I guess if you think it's OK that there are many people who go bankrupt due to the rising cost of health care or aren't even able to receive the right care, then forking out the extra money is not worth it to you, but for me I don't mind paying a little more to know that overall people are going to be better off. I had a friend who died because she did not get proper medical care, which she did not receive due to losing her health insurance. I wonder what would have become of her if there had been a government sponsored health plan when she was alive and she had gotten the care she needed.

 

[NTave]

I can tell you you are already paying for the uninsured and Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement through healthcare premiums. Healthcare costs go up because someone else needs to pay the difference, as Medicare/Medicaid have low reimbursement and lots of red tape rules preventing proper reimbursement for services. This also drives up health insurance costs and health insurance companies negotiate their rates for services. A non insured person would have a higher bill than insured bc of their negotiated rate. But are less likely to pay. The entire insurance thing is a complete scam if you ask me. I think catastrophic insurance is a good idea, but most day to day sore throats would be better paid out of pocket IF the rates were what everyone pays. Middle America gets stuck both ways. I do carry health insurance but I now carry less of a plan than last year bc I could no longer justify 650 a month for insurance alone for a similar plan that was free to me 10 years ago...it's insane.

 

[amc80]

A non insured person would have a higher bill than insured bc of their negotiated rate. But are less likely to pay.

A lot of doctors have special prices for cash paying customers...at least from what I've seen. And these are lower than the negotiated insurance rates.

 

[movie zombie]

Not to be a downer, but the whole point of implementing the Affordable Care Act is so people who work jobs that do not offer affordable health care and people with pre-existing condtions can now get care. It is inevitable that this will incurr a cost those of us that were doing well before. I guess if you think it's OK that there are many people who go bankrupt due to the rising cost of health care or aren't even able to receive the right care, then forking out the extra money is not worth it to you, but for me I don't mind paying a little more to know that overall people are going to be better off. I had a friend who died because she did not get proper medical care, which she did not receive due to losing her health insurance. I wonder what would have become of her if there had been a government sponsored health plan when she was alive and she had gotten the care she needed.

can't disagree with this.

 

[Mayk]

My DH is a partner in a small firm and this has been devastating to their business as the costs to insure their empolyees have made astronomical jumps in the past three year and this year exceeded the previous two years on a percentage basis. They have had to look at options that are not all that favorable for their long time loyal employees. It's been very difficult.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Everyone I know is upset over this whole thing, but I'm one of those people who got rejected for coverage due to pre-existing conditions. I've been uninsured for years since I left my job to go back to school full-time. I'm happy to finally get insurance. There are always pros and cons. It is what it is, but on a personal level, I feel happy that I don't have to fear getting sick or injured.

I definitely don't agree with it 100% since I know there are flaws, but I'm not against it either since I work in healthcare and have seen people die because they couldn't afford to go into the emergency room and waited too long. Financial burdens are scary. Someone very close and dear to me passed at a young age because he had no insurance and couldn't afford the ER.

They must treat him had he gone into the emergency room. That is the law.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Our premiums have increased by $200.00mo. Our ins. is holding to that premium but only for 2014. I hate to see what is coming.

Let just say that your premiums are pointing north.

 

[Beacon]

Our coverage has been going up for the past three years, last year it went up a lot, the company changed insurance companies and now the coverage is not so generous and the deductible is large. It is very expensive and it is because of the crazy situation our disturbed government is creating.

Maybe once this all settles down we might get some relief. At present, no matter what, it is going to be hard to pay for health care.

I've noticed both IBM and TIme Warner have tossed all their retirees onto the exchanges rather than continue the plans as they had it before the ACA. Bet those retirees are quite unhappy.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Our coverage has been going up for the past three years, last year it went up a lot, the company changed insurance companies and now the coverage is not so generous and the deductible is large. It is very expensive and it is because of the crazy situation our disturbed government is creating.

Maybe once this all settles down we might get some relief. At present, no matter what, it is going to be hard to pay for health care.

I've noticed both IBM and TIme Warner have tossed all their retirees onto the exchanges rather than continue the plans as they had it before the ACA. Bet those retirees are quite unhappy.

UPS is not gonna cover their spouse, plus many other Co. are heading towards the same direction.

 

[msop04]

Our coverage has been going up for the past three years, last year it went up a lot, the company changed insurance companies and now the coverage is not so generous and the deductible is large. It is very expensive and it is because of the crazy situation our disturbed government is creating.

Maybe once this all settles down we might get some relief. At present, no matter what, it is going to be hard to pay for health care.

I've noticed both IBM and TIme Warner have tossed all their retirees onto the exchanges rather than continue the plans as they had it before the ACA. Bet those retirees are quite unhappy.

UPS is not gonna cover their spouse, plus many other Co. are heading towards the same direction.

I work for a pharmacy owned by an urgent care clinic. We received letters last week stating that we will no longer be able to have our spouses on our insurance if the company they work for provides ANY form of benefits. It explained that our spouse cannot be added even if our coverage is less expensive or even if it has preferred benefits.

I have spoken with several (6) friends/family from TN and each has reported premiums almost doubling (from approximately 80-125%). Each person has totally different occupations and earns from about $30K - $120K. All of their deductibles have increased significantly, with the worst from $2500 to $8500!! All of their out of pocket maximums have increased by ridiculous amounts.

It was my understanding under the Affordable Healthcare Act, that if you had insurance, nothing would change. You could keep your existing plan. It was only that everyone must have coverage, and those who had not been able to get coverage due to pre-existing conditions could not be turned down. All my friends had insurance that they were happy with before (or at least as happy as you can be with health care), but the benefits didn't meet the "standards" of the Affordable Healthcare Act, so tons of unnecessary benefits were added. Inpatient coverage for substance abuse was once an expensive "add-on" but is now mandatory.

Insurance companies are not price-gauging... they are being forced to cover the things mandated to them by our government. They can't just give it away at no additional cost, so they have to figure in the extra cost for the newer, more elaborate coverage. They are, after all, a business. The only difference is that we no longer have a choice -- neither the providers nor the beneficiaries.

Those who were not able to enroll in healthcare before due to pre-existing conditions will now be able to do so. They will receive the exact amount of coverage that the government mandates... at the government-issued price. Many will not be able to afford the new health care plans, but will be required by law to pay for it.

From what I have seen personally, the coverage is what would be called "catastrophic" at best, with an incredibly high price tag. Oh... and the fact that it is being forced upon all of us. Needless to say, I haven't spoken to anyone who was really pleased with the changes.

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="msop04|1380683583|

It was my understanding under the Affordable Healthcare Act, that if you had insurance, nothing would change. You could keep your existing plan. It was only that everyone must have coverage, and those who had not been able to get coverage due to pre-existing conditions could not be turned down. All my friends had insurance that they were happy with before (or at least as happy as you can be with health care), but the benefits didn't meet the "standards" of the Affordable Healthcare Act, so tons of unnecessary benefits were added. Inpatient coverage for substance abuse was once an expensive "add-on" but is now mandatory.

[/quote]
And you believe it?...

 

[Circe]

Everyone I know is upset over this whole thing, but I'm one of those people who got rejected for coverage due to pre-existing conditions. I've been uninsured for years since I left my job to go back to school full-time. I'm happy to finally get insurance. There are always pros and cons. It is what it is, but on a personal level, I feel happy that I don't have to fear getting sick or injured.

I definitely don't agree with it 100% since I know there are flaws, but I'm not against it either since I work in healthcare and have seen people die because they couldn't afford to go into the emergency room and waited too long. Financial burdens are scary. Someone very close and dear to me passed at a young age because he had no insurance and couldn't afford the ER.

They must treat him had he gone into the emergency room. That is the law.

Yep. Then charge a huge sum for everything from the ambulance to the IV. Most people don't realize they're going to die, and the prospect of 20k of debt is unappetizing.

 

[Circe]

I think this a link to this lady's experience is probably the best explanation of why I'm okay with paying higher premiums if it means I know my friends, or their friends, or the friends of their friends, ever-on-outward through the population, don't have to go through this: http://www.kameronhurley.com/the-ho...e-to-live-surviving-without-health-insurance/

 

[madelise]

Everyone I know is upset over this whole thing, but I'm one of those people who got rejected for coverage due to pre-existing conditions. I've been uninsured for years since I left my job to go back to school full-time. I'm happy to finally get insurance. There are always pros and cons. It is what it is, but on a personal level, I feel happy that I don't have to fear getting sick or injured.

I definitely don't agree with it 100% since I know there are flaws, but I'm not against it either since I work in healthcare and have seen people die because they couldn't afford to go into the emergency room and waited too long. Financial burdens are scary. Someone very close and dear to me passed at a young age because he had no insurance and couldn't afford the ER.

They must treat him had he gone into the emergency room. That is the law.

Yep. Then charge a huge sum for everything from the ambulance to the IV. Most people don't realize they're going to die, and the prospect of 20k of debt is unappetizing.

Yes. It was my god-uncle (my grandmother's god-son) who passed because he couldn't afford to go to a doctor, let alone the ER. Luckily he passed in his sleep. But that man had chest pains going on for weeks. He was only 42. Heart attack. He is survived by his wife, and two children who are too young to have a father that passed with a heart attack. Too young to comprehend why he didn't go to the ER. Too young for any of this.

Just a few short months after, I was covering the front desk check-in girls for their lunch break at the ER. A man walks in, shirt and face drenched in sweat. His first words weren't a complaint, it was "I don't have insurance, do you know how much this will be?" He coded within the next minute while inside the private room area where the techs check his blood pressure. His wife was parking the car. She came in, and instead of asking where he was or anything, she too also asked about the insurance and payment information. Little did she know, her husband had already coded. I don't know what happened to him, and if surgery saved his life. But I had to take a break and go cry in my car, and collect myself before going back to work. One trip can = hundreds of thousands of dollars. It seriously becomes a weighing of if your life is worth saving vs. the financial burden it would place on yourself and your family for years to come. I get what you're saying, DF. EMTALA protects patients from a hospital judging them or turning them away due to their financial ability. But that doesn't change the fact that the patient themselves understand that they will be billed money that can be multiple times their annual income. I count myself very very lucky to be young and not had any severe accidents where I have to face that decision.

So really, I kinda DGAF what people complain about $ going up and whatever. I listen to my FI complain about it. Until you lose someone near and dear to you, or watch someone die cus they come in too late, you really have no idea what it's like to be uninsured. It's easy to talk when you HAVE coverage, IMO.

PS: It's not 20K debt. Just the ambulance ride can be 10K itself. Doctor's fees can be thousands. Hospital's fees, tens of thousands. What if surgery is necessary? Specialists? Each specialist consultant tacks on their own fees. Each blood test, each CT scan, each MRI, each time they do ANYTHING to you gets billed. I've seen people's bills, cash-pay/no insurance WITH cash discounts. It's NOT pretty.