Please… sit up straight and pay attention class, elbows off the desks. If you currently have an individual (not group) California health insurance plan with either Anthem Blue Cross OR Blue Shield, prepare for rate hikes heading our way October 1, 2010.
The rate hikes range from 14% to 20% with Anthem Blue Cross, and 19% to 29% for Blue Shield customers. Most of you will be affected by the hikes. However, if you bought your individual policy recently, you’ll still have your 12-month rate guarantee.
Watch your mail boxes within the next 3 weeks for announcements from your health insurance company. Be sure to read the information, it’s important for you and your budget! Of course, you’re welcome to be in touch with The Insurance Mom if you have any questions or kvetches.
NOW is the time to be sure that you’re in a plan you can afford to pay for every month. Remember, the monthly premiums are mandatory. Medical expenses (the deductible) can be paid off over time, based on what your budget can handle. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. So, even if you have to downgrade your plan to one with a higher deductible, you’ll still have affordable protection against catastrophic medical expenses.
The Insurance Mom strongly urges you to have a medical plan with a high deductible… as high as you can stomach. Don’t give all of your premium money to the insurance companies, they have enough, don’t you think?
