lone_ghost Loc: Wisconsin

I finally managed to get on healthcare.gov today and complete the process. I did not purchase insurance on the exchanges but was able to fully browse and compare prices and coverage.
Wisconsin opted out of the exchanges so I had to do the federal site, and it worked.
I ended up purchasing a plan from Humana that covers everything I need and is ACA compliant.

Comparison,
Eligible plan under ACA
$5000 deductible- this was a locked in deductible, I had no options
$847 a month- $10,164.00 per year

My Humana Plan,
$1500 deductible- I chose this for lower premiums, I could have went as low as $500
$395 per month- $4,740.00 per year

Over $5000.00 cheaper per year

My wife and daughter are covered under her employer coverage (also through Humana) At a $500 deductible and $433 per month so both of our insurance plans together are cheaper than what my individual plan would have been under the ACA exchanges.

You are probably thinking the same thing I was, the "AFFORDABLE" care act.

Of course that is just my situation that will undoubtedly differ from others given all things considered (like being income based) but I was shocked by the difference in cost.

I do have to note though that my experience with healthcare.gov was quick, easy, and only took about 15 minutes to complete so that I was shopping the markets. Not withstanding it took me two months to get on, I was actually impressed with it's efficiency. Very easy to use with the only drawback being that you can not refuse to accept any of the terms throughout the application process. (why even give an option)? I am so glad Wisconsin opted out of the exchanges.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

If nothing else, ACA is encouraging companies to " rethink " their marketing. Here Blue cross blue shield is competing AGAINST the exchanges. Doing a good job too.

lone_ghost Loc: Wisconsin

Exactly. The ACA plans are all based on income as to what it will cost you. Humana based my cost on what plan I chose. The high cost of the ACA plans is geared specifically towards paying for Medicaid. I work hard, and I make good money. That does mean I should pay for someone else to have health insurance.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

The high cost of the actual care is what is paying for most uninsured care. We pay for it anyway. I am afraid though that States that do expand Medicaid will not see a drop in costs. The increased profit will be too attractive to give up.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

Now, all of your information is available to hackers. Sorry, I wouldn't go near this web site.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thanks, LoneGhost, for the post, and the information within.

Someone will benefit from your posting. :thumbup:

lone_ghost Loc: Wisconsin

Yeah let them try, I run Linux Red Hat as my operating system with a four tier firewall (132 bit encryption on each). If some one so much as pings my IP address I know about it. I am virtually un-hack able. As for my info being out there, I am covered there as well, no one can access my accounts, open an account in my name, or purchase anything on my credit cards unless I authorize it. Lifelock is a wonderful thing to have. Even if I make a purchase I receive a text message on my phone asking me to verify it before it can be processed. All I can say to hackers, or identity thieves is, good luck with that.

Your concerns are valid though. Not to sound arrogant but most people are not as tech savvy as I am (Linux is a programmers operating system, you have to build it from the ground up), nor can everyone afford the precautions (security software) I have in place. I would recommend Lifelock though for any one. It only costs about $25.00 a month for the Ultimate Edition. Well worth it. I believe in being over thorough so I also have TrustedID watching my back as well.

klsolly

Its not your computer they'll hack for the information

rhomin57 Loc: Far Northern CA.

You mean that Hackers can break into highly confidential and highly secured Government protected info, but they can't yours? I bet you just put out a Challenge to at least one or two.

lone_ghost Loc: Wisconsin

I think you all are missing my point. Yes, they could hack the ACA website and get my information, but it will do them no good. Some one tried to open an account under my wife's name a couple of years ago but we were notified of the attempt via her phone and asked if we verify the t***saction. We did not and the person was arrested on the spot. It turned out to be one of her co-workers who had gone through her purse one night.

And no, no one is hacking my system, I built it myself and even if they do manage to hack into it, after breaching the 3rd tier of the firewall they will activate a worm that I wrote that will erase the line code recognition for their hard drive. It obliterates their Operating System as if it never existed and is un-recoverable.

Besides, hackers go after Windows/Mac operating systems since they have generic root systems that use identical line codes with the same programmer access ports. I use virtual PC so my system looks like a Windows based system but it is all Linux underneath.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

I have a hacking cough and I believe I have worms too. So look out lone_ranger, here I come! :lol: :shock:

lone_ghost Loc: Wisconsin

Now that was a good one!

:thumbup: :lol:

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

A wooly winter worm? :?: 8-)

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Yes, and they itch like crazy! :shock:

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

:lol: Maybe it's a STD! :wink: :mrgreen: