ACA Marketplace in PA, howzit for you?

[fencesitter]

I'm in SE PA, the Philadelphia suburbs. After finally getting through the app process, and seeing what subsidy I am eligible for, I checked the companies and their plans offered. I was disappointed to see that the only two companies on the exchange are Blue Cross and Aetna. The same two that dominate the market in this area. That is no competition. I have Aetna now, and the best policy I can afford carries a 7000.00 deductible, with a copay for the next three thousand. That means if I spend a few days in hospital, I can easily walk out $10,000.00 in debt, not what I consider affordable health care. I do qualify for a subsidy, and the cost for nearly the same plan will be less, but the deductibles are still around 6000.00. I'm going to continue the plan I have now, hope I don't get sick and revisit this whole thing in December or January.
I am sure this is because our esteemed Governor refused to set up a state run exchange and refused the medicaid expansion, (which does raise premiums on policies, not just deny illegibility to low income folks). It may be different in other parts of PA also, I don't know.

[mrmpa]

1. I'm in Western PA..............

See my post from last night.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018500992

[fencesitter]

3. I'd consult a healthcare pro..

an insurance agent or community group that helps people apply. Somethings not right in your qualification.

[JPZenger]

2. Plenty of competition in Lehigh Valley

In the Lehigh Valley, our newspaper listed out about 10 different companies, each offering a few plans, with the prices. I understand there are also some consortiums of blue crosses from various states that are offering plans for PA. residents.

[fencesitter]

4. that's what I thought.

different county and health market mean different choices and carriers. I'm in chester county, a very upscale, wealthy county (not me though), It seems everyone is well covered here through their employers and perhaps other companies don't see the value in setting up here. Thanks for the input.

[JPZenger]

5. Capital Blue Cross was the most expensive

In the current market, if you are young and healthy, a for-profit insurer is usually cheapest. If you or your group are older and have more health problems, Blue Cross is usually your best bet. My employer has mostly older workers, and we pay a bloody fortune for Blue Cross.

On the exchange plans that were listed for the Lehigh Valley, Capital Blue Cross was the most expensive by far. When asked why, they said that the for-profit plans are offering low initial rates in order to capture market share, and then they will increase rates in the future. I don't know if that is true.