As a freelance programmer, I've bought my insurance on the private market for the past couple of years. I actually have a decent low-cost plan with Humana that exceeds the quality of the bronze level plans in the exchange.
The problem: Humana doesn't offer that plan on the exchange, or anything like it. They offer 1 plan at the bronze level that costs twice as much and has a nearly $5,000 a year greater maximum out of pocket cost, with the same deductibles.
As a matter of fact, there are only 3 companies offering bronze level plans in my area, and the least expensive plan is $60 more a month than my current plan for less coverage.
Not to offer a promo for them or anything, but I had been buying my health insurance online from ehealthinsurance.com, and there were many more choices available there than on the exchange (I recall at least 7 or 8 companies with plans, possibly more). And dollar for dollar, the coverage was better.
Thankfully, I received a letter from Humana last month that I can keep my coverage for next year. But I'm a little worried about if that's going to be the case going forward, or if the exchanges are going to displace the rest of the market. And why are there relatively few plans and few providers in the exchange compared to the existing market?
What's been your experience with the exchange?
