It isn’t only advisable but actually mandatory now to get health insurance. And it’s understandable why our government mandated such a law. But if you’re getting a headache when it comes to choosing which policy is the best, let us help you. We at Judy Davis Insurance, Inc. assist the residents in the areas of McKinleyville, California.

That said let us answer some common questions you may have because of this recent change in health insurance.

Will my current health insurance still be recognized?

This will depend on the effective date of your current policy. If it has an effective date before March 23, 2010, then you may still use it or choose a new plan based on the current choices approved under the Affordable Care Act.

If it’s between March 24, 2010 and January 1, 2014, there may be a need to change it.

Is health insurance more expensive now?

The premium rate for some may increase while some may still stay the same or even decrease. So an assessment of your current policy by a professional insurance agent would be needed so you can get an accurate answer. The determining factor is if the plan provides the 10 benefits below along with covering at least 60% of the medical costs of the customer.

  • Ambulatory Patient Services
  • Emergency Services
  • Hospitalization
  • Maternity and Newborn Care
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services
  • Laboratory Services
  • Preventive and Wellness Services and Chronic Disease Management, and
  • Pediatric Care

Should I still work with insurance agents to get my health insurance plan?

Yes, licensed insurance agents are still the only people authorized to help customers get health plans. In fact, all premium rates have agent commissions costs factored in them. So whether you work with an agent or not, you’ll still be paying for that cost.

What are the current plans available?

The current plans as per Obamacare are called Metallic plans. We’ve listed them below along with their actuarial values (AV). Progressive Insurance defines actuarial value as “a percentage of total average costs for covered benefits that a plan will cover.” Simply put, if a plan has an actuarial value of 60%, the insurance company will cover 60% of the medical costs and the customer will shoulder 40% of it.

  • Bronze Plan = 60 % AV
  • Silver Plan = 70 % AV
  • Gold Plan  = 80 % AV
  • Platinum Plan = 90 % AV

A catastrophic-only coverage is also offered to eligible individuals.

For more information feel free to contact us. We’re open to discussing this more with you so you get the best health insurance you can rely on anytime.