Whether you are thumbs-up or thumbs-down on this health care reform law (ACA), it will bring some welcome clarity and simplicity to the health insurance marketplace. Though I have appreciated the creativity of insurance carriers in their plan designs over the years, confusion and complexity often tag along.
Carriers will soon be required to create easy-to-understand marketing materials and benefit summaries using standardized language. All plans offered must also provide coverage for certain “essential health benefits” and include:
- Ambulatory patient services
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use disorder services
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
This will make plan comparisons easier, but with multiple carriers offering plans in four coverage levels with different provider networks, it will still feel like a walk down the cereal aisle. We look forward to helping you make good choices.
Phil Dougherty
OnlyHealthInsurance
www.onlyhealthinsurance.com