There is no business like health insurance business! Not since Obama passed his famous Health Reform. Whom did it benefit?? The insurance business, of course. Did you think it was you? A few years ago you used to be able to get an HMO plan with up to $100/month, a $20-dollar copayment and the rest of the services covered. Not any more.

Now the insurance companies charge more and cover less. In addition, almost all plans have a high yearly deductible of $5000-$10,000 dollars. This means you have to spend this much out of your own pocket before the coverage kicks in. Don’t be fooled by the low deductible plans! Look closely and you might see a new term – Coinsurance. This is another word for “you pay”. There is a percentage, usually from 20% to 40%, in addition to your deductible. Furthermore, most plans do not cover maternity or prescription drugs.

Starting July 1, 2012 new California law will require health insurance plans to cover maternity. This, according to Kaiser’s small print disclaimer, will result in higher premiums.

When you do get your insurance quote, it is only guaranteed for up to 12 months. After that your insurance is free to raise it and, most likely, will do so.

Want to get the good old all inclusive HMO with no deductible?? Sure, prepare your $1,000/month. This will not be all inclusive though, there is a 20% coinsurance. Take a look at this HMO plan from Anthem Blue Cross in California. $1,131/month. Seriously??

Want to know exactly what is coinsurance. Here it is.

So I got one of these $5000/year deductible plans from Kaiser. After a few months I found out that this plan is a perfect scenario for charging you “whatever they feel like” for medical services. Because you are paying out of your own pocket they won’t give you exact prices for them, only estimates. So your office visit can cost anything from $90 to $200 (just seeing the doctor, not including medication or any tests). They say they have no idea how much the doctor’s office will decide to bill you for their time! Unbelieable! How is this allowed??

Did Obama’s Reform include the provision making health insurance a requirement for all? I believe so. Oh boy… What a great way to guarantee profits for the insurance companies!
How is this legal?