I got curious, that's how I'm wired. Could I find my way through the infamous website, without grief, without heartburn?
And without actually "signing up" -- you know like browsing through Amazon.com, without actually buying ANYTHING?
IF I find what I like and what I need -- THEN I could tackle the "sign up" process, at my leisure ... you know like after the traditional 'Black Friday' shopping rush?
Or maybe instead, just pick up the phone and call up an actual human being, and tell them the "product" I want to place an order. The one I ALREADY FOUND, on line, all by myself.
Operators are standing buy now ... waiting to take your order ...
[...] users will find the options "apply online" or "apply by phone." The toll-free number is 1-800-318-2596. The phone line will be staffed 24/7, according to the website.
But first my "Window Shopping" adventure. My walk-thru on HealthCare.gov which surprisingly looks
much more ready for prime time -- than not.
And all without creating 'a login' account too. Gee, imagine that.
Start Here:
HealthCare.gov
Look for the nondescript Button near the bottom that says:
See plans and prices in your area: SEE PLANS NOW
Click it.
Next, look for the text and link, that says:
How to view health plans and prices
Start by providing some basic information to find plans and sample prices available in your area. Answer a few questions and you’ll see plans and premium estimates available in your area. [...]
This brings you to a
short questionnaire page. Sorry there's no getting around this,
you have to answer the questions. It's easy though, and it's what the Search Engine uses to find those Health Care Plans that
just might meet
your needs.
Get plan information in your area
Answer a few quick questions to see the premium estimates.
Which best describes you?
x I'm looking for coverage for myself or my family
I'm looking for coverage for a small business I own or operate
Get plan information in your area
What type of coverage do you need? (Select one.)
x Health Dental
Dental coverage will be included in some plans.
In some cases, separate, stand-alone plans will be offered.
[...]
Get plan information in your area
What state do you live in?
Florida [Select your own State]
What county do you live in?
Broward [Select your own County]
Who will you apply for health coverage for? (Select one.)
x Only you
You and your spouse
You, your spouse, and your children
You and your children
Only your children
IMPORTANT NOTE: The prices here don't reflect the lower costs an applicant may qualify for based on household size and income.
Many people who apply will qualify for reduced costs through tax credits that are automatically applied to monthly premiums. These credits will significantly lower the prices shown for a majority of those applying. Final price quotes are available only after someone has completed a Marketplace application.
Note: When you choose the
"Only you" option, you will also be prompted for this additional insurance-pool information:
How old are you?
x 49 or under
50 or older
Next there are a few information pages. They are design to help you save even MORE money, if you qualify. Read or skim them. as your patience allows.
Just keep Clicking Next, to get your customized Search Results.
All plans must offer the same essential health benefits.
These benefits include coverage for things like:
-- Doctor visits
-- Prescription drugs
-- Hospitalization
-- Maternity and newborn care
-- Preventive care
[...]
Most people who apply will qualify for lower costs.
Most people who apply for coverage in the Marketplace will qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums based on their household size and income
The chart on the right shows household sizes and income levels that qualify for lower costs. The lower your income within the ranges shown, the lower your premium costs will be.
Some people with lower incomes within these ranges will qualify to save money on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.
Number of people Income range to
in your household qualify for lower costs
1 $11,490 to $45,960
2 $15,510 to $62,040
3 $19,530 to $78,120
4 $23,550 to $94,200
5 $27,570 to $110,280
6 $31,590 to $126,360
7 $35,610 to $142,440
8 $39,630 to $158,520
Click Next, when ready to get your customized Search Results.
Plans are put into 5 categories
These 5 categories (catastrophic, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum) are based on how you and the plan expect to share the costs for health care.
The category you choose affects how much your premium costs each month and what portion of the bill you pay for things like hospital visits or prescription drugs.
It also affects your total out-of-pocket costs - the total amount you'll spend for the year if you need lots of care.
[...]
[ Plan Types: ]
Catastrophic
less than 60%
of the total average costs of care
Bronze
60%
of the total average costs of care
Silver
70%
of the total average costs of care
Gold
80%
of the total average costs of care
Platinum
90%
of the total average costs of care
Click Next, when ready to get your Search Results.
FINALLY, here are MY "comparative shopping" results. Assuming I'm a single person living in Florida, looking for Health Care only for myself ...
This window shopping exercise QUICKLY found for me:
136 Health plan(s)
which meet my customized individual (young-person) criteria:
Coverage type: Individual & Family
Coverage: Medical
Location: FL - Broward
Who needs coverage: Only you
Catastrophic 100% HMO Carelink
CoventryOne
HMO | Catastrophic
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$85.81
Bronze Deductible Only HMO HSA Eligible Carelink
CoventryOne
HMO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$128.12
Humana Connect Basic 6350/6350 Plan
Humana Medical Plan, Inc.
HMO | Catastrophic
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$135.72
Bronze $10 Copay HMO Carelink
CoventryOne
HMO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$136.82
Aetna Basic
Aetna
PPO | Catastrophic
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$151.00
Silver $10 Copay HMO Carelink
CoventryOne
HMO | Silver
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$173.84
Humana Connect Bronze 6300/6300 Plan
Humana Medical Plan, Inc.
HMO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$175.89
Gold $5 Copay HMO Carelink
CoventryOne
HMO | Gold
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$188.53
Humana Connect Bronze 4850/6350 Plan
Humana Medical Plan, Inc.
HMO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$189.59
Humana Connect Silver 4600/6300 Plan
Humana Medical Plan, Inc.
HMO | Silver
Estimated monthly premium for Only you
$199.47
Show Next 10 Plans -- Just click it.
Here's another comparative shopping example. This time I'm from Montana and I want Health Care for everyone in my family ...
This window shopping exercise QUICKLY found for me:
29 Health plan(s)
which meet my new criteria:
Coverage type: Individual & Family
Coverage: Medical
Location: MT - Glacier
Who needs coverage: Employees, their spouses, and their children
Access Care_Catastrophic
Montana Health Co-Op
PPO | Catastrophic
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$496.10
Connected Care_Bronze
Montana Health Co-Op
POS | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$548.90
SmartHealth Catastrophic
PacificSource Health Plans
PPO | Catastrophic
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$574.00
Blue Preferred Security PPO 007
BlueCross and BlueShield of Montana
PPO | Catastrophic
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$589.86
Blue Preferred Bronze PPO 006
BlueCross and BlueShield of Montana
PPO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$602.16
Blue Preferred Bronze PPO 005
BlueCross and BlueShield of Montana
PPO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$605.24
SmartHealth Value Bronze 6250
PacificSource Health Plans
PPO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$614.00
Access Care_Bronze
Montana Health Co-Op
PPO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$621.22
Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic 5, a Multi-State Plan
BlueCross and BlueShield of Montana
PPO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$622.68
SmartHealth Value Bronze 3000
PacificSource Health Plans
PPO | Bronze
Estimated monthly premium for Employees, their spouses, and their children
$648.00
Show Next 10 Plans -- Just click it.
Easy. And all without those annoying Amazon "shopping carts" too.
Just like 'Window Shopping' is supposed to be.
Gee, maybe I should create that signup login afterall?
That or print out my Search Results and call one of those helpful operators.
Afterall, they DO want my business. ... The toll-free number is 1-800-318-2596.
The best thing too, is ... it kind of looks like this website, this HealthCare.gov could actually, in fact SUCCEED!
Contributing much to the incurable chronic "heartburn" of the G.O.T.P.
[Note: If your Employer provides your Health Care as a benefit of Employment, follow their procedures for renewing your Health Insurance options, internally within your company's website, forms, etc. Chances are you won't have to do a thing, for continued coverage, that is now somehow
more affordable -- you know more competitive options,
brought to you by the ACA,
the Affordable Care Act.]
Brought to you by the Democratic Party ...
Because the Democratic Party, is the Party 'that Cares'.