Yes, but high deductibles pair with lower premiums.
That’s not the case with the ACA.
Three years ago my last private policy was a catastrophic policy. Two people, $5000 deductible each, included dental and a large national network. One of us had a preexisting condition (cancer). No copay after deductible met. Total premium about $650 per month.
Last two years we’ve been on bronze plans purchased directly from the provider. Cost this year is $1150 per month with $6200 deductible each. Two people. No dental. I refuse to go to the exchange, and there are no better plans on the exchange. We do not qualify for a subsidy thanks to a life of frugal living and saving for retirement. Our bronze plan has a smaller national network than our old catastrophic plan but it is still a PPO plan. Many benefits this ACA plan provides (maternity, pediatric) we do not want and cannot use due to our ages.
Our insurer, Assurant, announced this year it will not write health insurance policies in 2016 so we are looking for a new provider. Most bronze plans this year are HMO’s with very small in state networks. We desire a national network due occasional travel. This year there are fewer providers and fewer plans in our state so less competition. In addition, one of the major providers in our state is not writing policies in our county. It appears our only option is a bronze PPO plan with an in state network only. Cost will be $1602 per month with higher deductible. We will pay over $30,000 per year in premiums and deductibles before we receive any reimbursements. Plus we will have a copayment once we hit the deductibles. In addition, if we have a major incident when traveling, we will be receiving care from out of network providers and subject to billing by the provider for the difference between what our insurer pays, and what the out of network provider bills, once we have met the deductible.
This is unaffordable health care. My GOP Congresswoman and Senators are doing nothing to change the law, or repeal it other than issuing statements indicating they oppose it.
The healthcare system is destroyed. After the 2016 elections the Dems will be demanding single payer to fix the system. Big corporations, desiring to shed employer provided healthcare benefits, will push the GOP to support single payer socialized medicine.