Real Life Real Faith September Issue | Page 12

Real Life Real Faith Magazine Article Submission Section: Business Month: August-2016 Title:Healthcare Scare: Major Insurers Are Leaving Obama Care Contributor: Theresa Tennyson, Being Broke Isn’t Cute Personal Financial Coaching UnitedHealthcare Group, are major players in the game, offering plans in most if not all markets. With fewer plans, the law of supply and demand tips more in favor of the remaining insurers, which could lead to an increase in premiums. Higher premiums will take a bigger bite out of household budgets and we could push some folks right back into the dilemma they were facing before the Affordable Care Act. Healthcare becomes unaffordable…AGAIN. Are you in Obama Care or considering it? With all of this in flux, it is time to be proactive on your part and determine how all this will affect your home. 1. Contact your provider, even if it is not leaving the ACA. Inquire about how all the changes will affect your plan and premiums. It is still early, so some insurers may still have a “wait and see” attitude. 2. Start shopping providers, again even if yours is staying in the program. You still need to find out what options are available, compare rates and coverage in order to find the best plan for you and yours. 3. Consider moving to a higher deductible plan. Yes I know your out-of-pocket costs will increase, but it may be the best way, or in some cases the only way, to get the same coverage at an affordable premium. I am sure as we roll into the final quarter of 2016 this will continue to play out in the media. There will be posturing by politicians and statements given by companies. If this affects your home, stay calm, be proactive and do your due diligence.