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And by that, I mean shopping for 2025 health insurance.
For my 2024 coverage (57-year-old male, zip code 64108) I’ve used HealthCare.gov to get coverage via Ambetter Standard Expanded Bronze for $803/month ($7,500.00 deductible/$9,400.00 max out of pocket/$50 copay).
For 2025 Ambetter actually reduced my premium to $731/month.
Since I’m quite healthy I wanted to get a plan with a lower premium and tried ehealthinsurance.com but the best they could offer was $827/month for an Ambetter Health Solutions Bronze HSA ($6,400 deductible/$8,050 max out of pocket/20% Coinsurance after deductible copay).
I also tried some other websites and then deluged with very “spammy” phone calls, texts, and emails (as well as a few offers from potential girlfriends). None of which seems legit and all of which required me to keep re-entering my age, sex, tobacco use, and zip code.
I spoke with one broker who quoted an Aetna plan ($680/month) that had a lower copay and max out of pocket than my current Ambetter, but then could not share any documents without me enrolling by providing a credit card number.
Has anyone ever done this before? Is there an organization, website, or broker that can provide legitimate non-marketplace health insurance plans?
Epilogue: I went with the Ambetter from Home State Health
Standard Expanded Bronze for $730.58/month (Deductible:
$7,500, Out-of-pocket max $9,200, Doctor visits $50, Generic drugs $25).
Getting Health Insurance is NO easy task. Check out a broker with highly legit companies like Mutual of Omaha, Prudential, United Health Care etc. I did this about 5 years ago and it all worked out. You are picking the right time to do this, as when you are healthy is the only time to change. I got cancer and if I change the rates goes through the roof. Best of luck hunting and I would stay with a highly recognized successful company that has been around for many years.
Here is the list of the best from Copilot AI:
Kaiser Permanente: Known for its integrated care and high customer satisfaction, Kaiser Permanente offers comprehensive health plans with a focus on preventive care.
UnitedHealthcare: Offers a wide range of plans and is known for its extensive network of healthcare providers.
Humana: A popular choice for Medicare Advantage plans, Humana provides affordable options with good coverage.
Blue Cross Blue Shield: Offers a variety of plans with extensive provider networks, making it easy to find a doctor near you.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare: Their Medicare Supplement Plan G is highly rated for its flexibility and coverage.
Wellcare: Known for its prescription drug plans, Wellcare is a good option if you need comprehensive medication coverage.
William Dorner, When you have a moment, please reply with the name of that broker.
You really need to be careful if you sign up for a plan that is not on the ACA marketplace. These plans may not cover what you think they will cover and you could be stuck paying thousands of dollars in medical bills. You think you’re saving money and you’re covered but you can’t possibly read all of the fine print in the contract. My friend got stuck with a $10,000 hospital bill that she thought was covered. All the plans in the ACA marketplace. (healthcare.gov) are regulated by the federal government and cover the same things. Here is a good article https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2019/seeing-fraud-and-misleading-marketing-states-warn-consumers-about-alternative-health