Cheaper, Alternative Health Plans Are Having a Moment, but Critics Urge Caution

Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment—but critics urge caution

Congress’ decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.

Cheaper, Alternative Health Plans Are Having a Moment, but Critics Urge Caution

When Melanie Miller saw that her health insurance premium payment was set to nearly triple to $914 a month this year, she stopped shopping on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The 59-year-old retired teacher, who recently moved from Ohio to Michigan, now pays $341 a month for a pair of plans, one that covers routine and urgent care and another that pays fixed amounts for hospital stays. Neither meets federal standards for comprehensive covera…

Cheaper, Alternative Health Plans Are Having a Moment, but Critics Urge Caution - Health Care Today

When Melanie Miller saw that her health insurance premium payment was set to nearly triple to $914 a month this year, she stopped shopping on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The 59-year-old retired teacher, who recently moved from Ohio to Michigan, now pays $341 a month for a pair of plans, one that covers routine and urgent care and another that pays fixed amounts for hospital stays. Neither meets federal standards for comprehensive covera…