Although Monday is the deadline to enroll in a healthcare plan, there are still many people unsure of what to do. High deductible/low premium or low deductible/high premium plans have some of us confused. And, then there are the plans that seem to fit, but then have hidden costs, like a deductible for prescriptions that end up not being as “affordable” as they seemed on their face. What to do? The option to do nothing is not a good one when you need coverage.
Taking control of your own healthcare costs with a Fixed Benefit Insurance Plan may set you on the road toward assessing your healthcare needs. Although it doesn’t meet the Minimum Essential Benefits requirement, the fixed benefit plan will get you the healthcare coverage you need as soon as you pay your first premium. One of the best benefits is there are no deductibles to meet, and it will help you start saving on your healthcare costs.
With the fixed benefit plan you also get access to guaranteed pricing between you and your healthcare providers, so you can see what your doctor visits, lab and other tests will cost before you schedule your appointments. Through negotiated pricing prescriptions and procedures are discounted with member providers so you save by using those healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Whether you one or two visits a year to your primary care physician or just the occasional trip to the urgent care clinic, there are three levels of coverage under the fixed benefit plan to choose from. All three provide no-deductible affordability. You get access to the healthcare most important to you, when you need it.
- The Value Plan gives you access to everyday healthcare and discounts on prescriptions. You have benefits for preventive care and unexpected illnesses, and up to two office visits per year.
- Fundamentals helps pay for doctor visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations.
- Enhanced offers a higher level of insurance benefits, including higher cash benefits for brand-name prescriptions, higher cash benefits for office visits, and higher level benefits for unexpected illnesses and injuries.
The benefit of these plans is no deductible, but the downside is that because they don’t meet the minimum essential benefits, you may have to pay a penalty at the end of the year. If you can sign up for the Affordable Healthcare Act and don’t you could be charged $95 or up to one percent of your income, whichever is greater for 2014. Contact an AC Financial Adviser to talk about your options at 800-564-3196.
