Have you noticed that emergency rooms began popping up in neighborhoods like Starbucks or 7-Elevens over the past couple of years? They promise you’ll be seen quickly with little or no wait time and health insurance should cover it, even if it’s out of network, since it’s an emergency room visit, right? It turns out, that may not be the case.
The options for individual and small business health insurance increased in the early days of the Affordable Care Act as health insurance companies fought to snap up new customers. However, as time went on, those options dwindled when carriers realized not enough healthy people applied for policies, many choosing to pay the penalty for not having coverage rather than the premium associated with having it. Rates increased as choices dwindled.
2017 is winding down and 2018 will be here before you know it. Various web sites and blogs will soon be posting articles and tips on end of year financial planning and moves to make before the new year arrives. Some will address tax moves you can make now, while others address rebalancing your portfolio, opening an IRA, and steps to improve your financial position for 2018.
At the end of each year, there are several articles and blog posts published on end of year financial planning and moves to make. Some are written to address end of year tax moves you can take now, while others address items to rebalance your portfolio better, open an IRA, and improve your financial position now and in 2017.
Insurance and politics may sound like strange bedfellows but they aren’t. They share the same bed more often than most people realize and the impact can be profound for individuals and business whether it plays out on the national or state level. Such is the case since Presidential Candidate Donald Trump became President-Elect. Let’s look at two instances which will unfold after January 20, 2017.
The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare if you choose, is entering its fourth year. After watching it for the past three years, I believe it’s time to ask whether its working or not, is it a success, and has it provided affordable health insurance and healthcare as promised?
Health insurance for Texans is becoming increasingly expensive and has fewer options for participating doctors and hospitals. It may also require more out of pocket than it did in 2016. I know. I received my renewal packet and my rate starting in December will be 29% higher than what I’m paying now. The exchange opens on Tuesday, November 1st so here’s an overview of what’s coming
The health insurance market in Texas when through some pretty big changes in 2016 and it looks like even more are headed our way for next year. The Dallas Morning News published a number of articles during August on these changes, however, we’ll have to wait until the end of September before we know all of the details.
My search for health insurance has been interesting to say the least. Until this year, it’s been a relatively easy task; place a call to my broker, have her provide me with quotes, review the plans, pick a plan, pay the bill each month, and forget about it for another year. All that changed this year with the Affordable Care Act.
Growing up, my dad would look at me and with his best imitation of W.C. Fields say, “Close but no cigar kid!” when I’d almost get the point but be just a little off on what I was saying. I was reminded of his doing that with my ongoing search for affordable health insurance through the federal exchange. I’m closer to the answers I’ve been seeking but I haven’t been awarded a cigar yet.
Subscribe to my newsletter by filling the form below.
A confirmation email will be sent to your mailbox: please read the instructions to complete the subscription.
