California health insurance  -  Covered California Questions  -  difference between in and out of Exchange health plans

What's The Difference Between In And Out Of Exchange Health Plans?

 

This is a great question and we're still getting answers on a daily basis as the actual roll-out of the ACA law occurs.

 

Let's look at the core differences (few) and similarities (many) and potential advantages either way.

 

First, we need a lay of the land.

 

You can always run your quote here:

 

how to quote Covered California plans


Quick Summary of Exchange and non-Exchange Marketplaces


The Exchange is really the new "marketplace" for California health insurance.

 

You can think of the non-Exchange plans as the existing marketplace although under new rules and requirements.

 

You're going to see Metallic plans mentioned which refers to the standardized benefit levels (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze).

 

If a carrier offers a plan in the Exchange, they must offer that exact plan out of the Exchange.

 

Let's first talk about what is the same between in and out of Exchange plans.


In and Out of Exchange Plans Similarities

  • The Plan Benefits for an equivalent metallic plan must be the same both in and out of the Exchange
  • The rates for equivalent metallic plans must be the same
  • The networks for equivalent metallic plans must be the same

 

Essentially, these plans, rates, and networks will be identical between like plans both in and out of the Exchange. So what's different?


Differences between In and Out of Exchange Plans

  1. Availability of health subsidies if eligible are only available in Exchange
  2. Availability of cost sharing benefit if eligible is only available in Exchange
  3. Enrollment process is simpler out of Exchange if not eligible for Subsidy

 

You can access the online application here:

 

How to apply for California obamacare


So what are the primary drivers of going either in or out of the Exchange?

There are large subsidies in Covered California if your income is below a certain range

 

California health insurance rates

 

Number One is the Health Subsidy and Cost Sharing Benefit.

 

If you qualify for either (AGI income estimate above 138% of the Federal Poverty Level - ask us for most recent income chart or run quote here), you really should get an Exchange plan and we can help you with this more complicated process at no cost to you.

 

Call 800-320-6269 and find out your CORRECT subsidy amount in 5 minutes

 

These days, there's not much reason to go off-exchange.

 

Either way, we can help you evaluate both options especially taking into account Health Subsidies and Cost Sharing Benefits.

 

There is no cost to our service and having a guide to this process will help ensure that you do not overlook or miss out on the best value.

 

You can run your Covered Ca Health Plan Quote here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

 

Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services.  Call 800-320-6269 Today!