Does the Affordable Care Act make it illegal for hospitals to demand entire deductibles up front?

[JNinWB]

28. For many, a $6300 deductible plan might as well be $50,000.

People selecting plans need to understand that the deductible or annual out-of-pocket, do not always begin unless there are out-patient or hospital charges. The new plans, even the Bronze cover an annual, complete physical exam and comprehensive testing. Many chronic conditions can be diagnosed at the time of this exam.

Some plans cover additional office visits and prescription drugs with co-pays that do not require deductibles. This is why exchange consumers will need to carefully analyze their current annual costs to be able to select the appropriate plan. Sometimes, paying a higher, monthly premium will be cheaper than paying deductibles.

What consumers will have examine closely is the individual deductibles, Rx co-pays (and formularies) and provider networks. This will be very difficult---here in CA, some plans have not yet decided on, and published, their provider networks. Insurance companies are offering different providers for their group plans and their exchange offerings.

Deductibles, restrictive formularies and provider networks are ways that exchange plans can provide low premiums.