California health plans with a 2 year rate guarantee
In 2009, California health insurance premiums are still on the rise. More and more employers are finding themselves unable to afford health coverage for their employees. This leaves workers no choice but to shop the individual market for a health insurance plan. If you are healthy, purchasing a Individual California health insurance plan will be your best option. Be aware that your insurance premium will increase about every year when insured with an individual insurance company. To get the most value out of your insurance policy you will want to take a look at the 2 year rate guarantee plans. Currently Anthem Blue Cross of California offers 3 of these plans (see below). They guarantee you a 2 year fixed premium and are designed to provide you quality catastrophic coverage.
SmartSense 5000
The SmartSense 5000 from Anthem Blue Cross of California is a plan that offers you more than just traditional catastrophic coverage. You have 3 office visits offered (per year) at a $30 co-pay, these apply before the $5000 deductible. Any subsequent office visit after the 3 limit max will then apply to the deductible. On this plan you will pay a $15 co-pay for generic prescriptions and a $15 co-pay for brand (after a $500 brand pharmacy deductible). One physical exam is covered every calendar year in which you will pay 30% of the negotiated fee (as long as you use a contracted provider). You may also use a healthy check center in which you will pay a $25 co-pay for basic physical screening and a $75 for premium screening. After satisfying the $5000 deductible you will pay 30% of the negotiated fee until you reach the total out-of-pocket max of $7500 (deductible included). The lifetime maximum on this policy is $7 million, enough coverage for just about any catastrophic situation. It is important to take note that the SmartSense $5000 does no cover maternity care.
PPO 3500
With an out-of-pocket expense of $3500 this is one of the best catastrophic plans available through Anthem Blue Cross of California. Once you satisfy the deductible of $3500 all services are coverage at 100%. Annual physical exams must be done at a healthy check center and scheduled at least 3 business days in advance by calling (800) 274-9355. Basic screening exams are covered at a $25 co-pay while premium screenings are a $75 co-pay. If you require prescription medications you will always want to see if a generic prescription is available before choosing brand. Generics Rx are covered right away at a $15 co-pay while brand Rx are covered at a $35 co-pay after you satisfy a $500 brand pharmacy deductible.
PPO 3500 (HSA Compatible)
This plan is very similar to the original PPO 3500 with some minor differences. The out-of-pocket maximum is $5000 and you must satisfy the $3500 deductible before you have prescription drugs covered at the regular co-pay amounts ($15 for generic and $35 for brand). The PPO 3500 HSA compatible also gives you the opportunity to combine a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA) that will help you pay towards qualified medical expenses. The maximum HSA contributions per year in 2009 are $3000 for an individual and $5950 for a family. An HSA is a very wise investment in your security, to learn more about these plans please visit our J.C. Lewis Insurance Services website.
It would be nice to have one of these for my family considering my rates keep going up. What would your advice be for a family of 5 in Sonoma County?