Insurance plans under ACA, Kiaser, etc in CA

[komnaes]

Hi folks,

Have not posted for a while.

Just a general question - I am researching for the most economic insurance plan for those of us that are already on meds in the Bay Area in California for someone who's self-employed.

I have no idea where to even start looking. All inputs on websites, support groups, etc., are welcome.

Thanks, Shaun

[AusShep]

I know from other threads that ACA plans can vary widely by State.

It's mostly quiet from what I've seen as to how plans and pricing may change next year.  I believe November 15th is the date you'll be able to see and compare next year plans for ACA.  I wouldn't expect too much to be available before then.

[JustSmile01]

While I don't know much about the ACA system (private insurance), I can recommend Kaiser, which is available under the ACA. Kaiser has honestly been awesome and it's a one stop shop! Everything is under one roof which makes it totally convienent.

[komnaes]

While I don't know much about the ACA system (private insurance), I can recommend Kaiser, which is available under the ACA. Kaiser has honestly been awesome and it's a one stop shop! Everything is under one roof which makes it totally convienent.

Thanks JS, are you currently under Kaiser?

A friend of mind here owns a small business that provides very good insurance (well, mainly because most of the employees are family) and she uses Kaiser.

I am looking at a situation where the person involved is not qualified for assistance and self employed.

Shaun

[AusShep]

While I don't know much about the ACA system (private insurance), I can recommend Kaiser, which is available under the ACA. Kaiser has honestly been awesome and it's a one stop shop! Everything is under one roof which makes it totally convienent.

The plans may be very different.  Helping people look at plans here, there was nothing available that compared to private employer sponsored benefits by a long shot, even with Aetna and other providers I've had via employers. 

I'd never heard of plans with medication deductibles, some have lab deductibles too, low copay % for Rx and services, odd Rx tier structures; most of the lower tier plans are more like catastrophic coverage for getting hit by a bus, not good for managing HIV or other chronic conditions unless you can shell out 5,000 or 6,000 cash the first few months to hit your out of pocket limits.

[mitch777]

Check out the plans! I don't know if you qualify for government subsidies but I have been self employed for nearly 30 years. My last bill prior to the ACA was around 12,000 annually. I found a BETTER plan for around 2600. ANNUALLY with subsidies. Even without government help I think the premium would have been around 8000.

[komnaes]

Check out the plans! I don't know if you qualify for government subsidies but I have been self employed for nearly 30 years. My last bill prior to the ACA was around 12,000 annually. I found a BETTER plan for around 2600. ANNUALLY with subsidies. Even without government help I think the premium would have been around 8000.

Thanks Mitch,

But you're not in CA right? The plan you're now on is under ACA?

Shaun

[komnaes]

The plans may be very different.  Helping people look at plans here, there was nothing available that compared to private employer sponsored benefits by a long shot, even with Aetna and other providers I've had via employers. 

I'd never heard of plans with medication deductibles, some have lab deductibles too, low copay % for Rx and services, odd Rx tier structures; most of the lower tier plans are more like catastrophic coverage for getting hit by a bus, not good for managing HIV or other chronic conditions unless you can shell out 5,000 or 6,000 cash the first few months to hit your out of pocket limits.

I know that being the case AusShep. Like I said I am researching in a very general direction. I want to find out as close as I can to the most economic plans in CA for the self employed.

[absopozilutely]

See if you qualify for the program in CA called OA-Hipp which will pay your medical deductibles, aka it will pay your premium for you. Then get Kaiser, cause their just awesome.

[komnaes]

See if you qualify for the program in CA called OA-Hipp which will pay your medical deductibles, aka it will pay your premium for you. Then get Kaiser, cause their just awesome.

Are you on OA-Hipp and Kaiser? I am trying to find out the costs, including premium, copays, etc, through Kaiser, for regular check-ups and all meds, consider that person is self employed, not qualified for any programs but stable and health (high CD4, UD).