Overview of 2020 Heath Insurance Rates & Plans
For all of my individual health insurance clients there is actual good news! Rates for 2020 are literally going down just slightly. The carriers have finally been able to stabilize, which is good news for everyone, including me. Our commissions are built into the price you pay, so no additional cost to work with us. We get paid about $15/mo per person, which allows me to stay in business helping you.
If you have questions give us a call or text message to 425-802-2783
OPEN ENROLLMENT is from Nov 1st to Dec 15th for Jan 1st start date
Every year you have one period of time to change plans, yet there are some exceptions to the open enrollment period like losing coverage from a group plan. We generally recommend choosing your plan in early November so you make your first payment, then get your new insurance cards. We strongly recommend to setting up auto pay from a personal checking account. If you get canceled due to non-payment you can NOT get individual health insurance coverage again until 1/1/2021.
The rate changes listed for 2020 are just the base rate change. However, we all get one year older every year, so you will not see the full rate percentage decrease.
The network of doctors and hospitals is increasing as well. Premera is now covering Swedish Medical facilities and doctors, however there are some Swedish doctors that don’t take the plan. Always check with the billing department. In addition to lower rates, the network of doctors has been improved significantly with Premera. For the last three years members were required to pick one narrow hospital network system and stick to that. Now you can go directly to any hospital system that is in their network without needing to update the network system.
For the last several years LifeWise, which is a subsidiary of Premera, has only been in a only a few counties in Washington State. For 2020 they are back in King County. Since LifeWise and Premera share the same network of doctors the main difference is that Premera has significantly better coverage up front before your deductible (such as brand name Rx and specialists).
We also are expecting AM Better and Molina Marketplace to expand their doctor network slightly. Also Kaiser Permanente has continued to improve their HMO network of doctors.
Alternative Lower Cost Healthcare Coverage
We always try to inform our clients with all your options, so wanted to let you know that there is an alternative low cost healthcare option. The Altrua healthshare plans can be a good alternative to those that are healthy with no or very few minor medical issues, as the plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. They are similar to healthcare before the ACA, which is why they are lower cost. You can get coverage for as little as $100 per month. Check out the Altrua HealthShare plans or can give us a call to go over your options.
Overall 2020 is looking to be a good year for individual health insurance!
Gary Franke and Tamara Chandler
Independent Broker
Achieve Alpha Insurance LLC
12505 Bel-Red Rd, Ste 106
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-802-2783 office
health@achieve-alpha.com
www.achieve-alpha.com