The 2018 proposed Individual Health Insurance rates have not been officially released. So we wanted to prepare you for what is to come. The rate increases are horrible due to healthier people dropping out and simply losing money on individual plans, yet they still make money on group plans through an employer.
2018 Overview: Avg Increase 24%
The changes going through congress are not projected to impact 2018 plans since health insurance carriers have already submitted their plans and rates, but you never know. There would most likely be some changes for 2019 or 2020 plans.
2018 Health Insurance Carriers
- Kaiser Permenate (formerly Group Health Cooperative) will have HMO plans only.
- Molina lost a lot of money in 2016. Deductibles are going up and no Bronze plans.
- Premera is quite expensive in 2017 and will probably be about the same upper price for 2018.
- AM Better will have similar narrow networks, yet probably the lowest cost for 2018.
Discontinued Plans (for the most part), at least in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties:
- Regence has decided to pull out of MOST of Washington State (will be in a few Eastern WA counties).
- LifeWise has pulled out of King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.
- Kaiser Permenente (formmerly Group Health Cooperative) is discontinuing the Access PPO (First Choice Network) Plans
The carriers told us that the core structure of their plans are going to stay the same for Gold, and Bronze plans, yet Silver plan deductibles are going up. Most other aspects should stay the same.
Only Kaiser Permenente will have HMO plans you can buy Direct from the carriers, so most will need to buy through the WA Exchange.
There will be ZERO plans with a PPO “In-Network” coverage outside of WA, as will be an Emergency Only network like most plans now. Sorry, but no work arounds here. For those that intend on being outside of WA for more than 6 months really should get a plan in that other state or country if possible.
How to Keep Costs Lower for 2018
One good way to keep costs lower for 2018 is to buy an”Accident Plan” and “Bronze Plan” with a $6,000 deductible. If you are on a Gold or Silver plan and don’t use as many prescriptions this is the best way to keep costs in check.
Check Out the Accident Plans Here!
From our experience, most people that significantly use their health insurance are due to injuries or accidents, thus this plan would help cover up to $15,000 for accidents that occur! They are cheap and have a simple structure for paying out. However they only cover new injuries or new accidents.
Give us a call now about the NEW Accident Plan and let us help you “pre-plan” for 2018.
Below are our areas of expertise:
- Health Insurance (Every company in Washington State)
- Life Insurance (33 companies)
- Disability Insurance (8 companies)
Gary Franke, Tamara Chandler, Justin Cross
Independent Broker
Achieve Alpha Insurance, LLC
13500 Bel-Red Rd, Ste 4
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 802-2783
health@achieve-alpha.com
www.achieve-alpha.com