The coverage I have is all inclusive through Kaiser Permanente and it only costs $186 a month with $20 co-pays for doctor visits, $100 co-pay for ER visits and $500 co-pay for hospital admissions. No other deductibles apply. Just to clarify this isn't through a job either, it's the rate available to the general public that fit my demographics.
Please do tell that to the over 1000 physicians I can choose from to see within the Kaiser system where I live. I can choose any primary care physician to be my primary physician. Furthermore I can see any specialist without the need for a referral.
If I need emergency treatment I can go to any hospital where I live for immediate care. Appointments, even with specialists are available within 2 weeks or sooner for non-emergent care.
The rates I am speaking off are available to everyone that fits my demographics, with few limitations on the care you will receive.
Edit:Also to clarify if I did someday need care that Kaiser was unable to provide within their system, they would cover the cost of such care minus my co-pay.
Here are all of the gritty details of the plan. It seems the plan that I am on isn't being offered directly any more. Here is what is currently offered and its details directly from their website
Cost per month: $160.86
Annuals Deductable: None
Maximum yearly benefits: None (In other words unlimited care regardless of the cost.)
Out of Pocket Expenses: $35.00 co-pay for doctors visits, $50.00 co-pay for specialists, $5 for generic prescriptions, $200 co-pay for ER visits, 30% co-pay for hospitalizations.
Maximum yearly out of pocket expensive: $3,000 for an individual (In others words you will pay no more than this amount regardless of expenses)
As you can see you are correct in stating that some out of pocket expense is possible. $3,000 a year can be a lot, although it is a lot better than being stuck with the entire bill. In addition you are limited to the Kaiser system for non-emergent care. While you may not have access to the best of the best, it is care I can afford. Please check out their website for a quote all they need is an email address.
I agree with you that if healthcare insurance was this affordable for the general population then health care wouldn't be an issue. This is one of the reasons that I mention Kaiser whenever I can, since they seem to have a good set-up.
