So, yesterday I fielded a call from a young lady looking for health insurance help. It seems that she travels quite a bit all over the country, and is having a very interesting (well, to me; problematic for her) issue:
She and her husband had been covered under his employer's plan, but that's gone away (I inferred that he'd been let go, but didn't pursue since I didn't need to know). She's been searching for replacement coverage herself, and is running out of time (they have but 5 days left on the Special Open Enrollment eligibility). The problem is that she needs a plan that will cover her while she's on the road.
Sorry, Charlie!
As we've mentioned, plans used be built on the PPO model, which offered (reduced) out-of-network coverage. Now (at least in this market) the only plans available are built on the HMO chassis, which basically covers out-of-network charges only for life-threatening emergency care.
So, get sick in Dayton, no problem.
Get sick in Milwaukee, problem.
I did tell her her that there are options:
First, Short Term Medical plans. These are still PPO-based, so she'd have coverage wherever she traveled in this great land of ours. But, they aren't ACA-compliant, and she can only keep a plan for 3 months at a time. And, of course, they don't cover any pre-exisiting conditions.
Second, I mentioned Dave's plan.
And third, I brought up Sharing Ministries.
She demurred on all three.
I did tell her I'd be happy to answer any other questions if she wants to cal back, but reminded her that the clock is ticking....
She and her husband had been covered under his employer's plan, but that's gone away (I inferred that he'd been let go, but didn't pursue since I didn't need to know). She's been searching for replacement coverage herself, and is running out of time (they have but 5 days left on the Special Open Enrollment eligibility). The problem is that she needs a plan that will cover her while she's on the road.
Sorry, Charlie!
As we've mentioned, plans used be built on the PPO model, which offered (reduced) out-of-network coverage. Now (at least in this market) the only plans available are built on the HMO chassis, which basically covers out-of-network charges only for life-threatening emergency care.
So, get sick in Dayton, no problem.
Get sick in Milwaukee, problem.
I did tell her her that there are options:
First, Short Term Medical plans. These are still PPO-based, so she'd have coverage wherever she traveled in this great land of ours. But, they aren't ACA-compliant, and she can only keep a plan for 3 months at a time. And, of course, they don't cover any pre-exisiting conditions.
Second, I mentioned Dave's plan.
And third, I brought up Sharing Ministries.
She demurred on all three.
I did tell her I'd be happy to answer any other questions if she wants to cal back, but reminded her that the clock is ticking....
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