"... but it's worth noting that he doesn't know what his premiums are yet."
...perfect example:
Ratigan Tweets displeasure at ACA premium increase; doesn't appear to know what he is talking about
<...>
Now, based on some readily available info about Ratigan, it looks like he can do better -- a lot better. He just needs to go to the "Covered California" site and do his homework. He can get a Bronze level plan for $222 a month from Anthem Blue Cross, or, at the other end of the spectrum, he can get a Platinum plan (the very best plan possible) for $420 a month from Anthem Blue Cross. That's what I found when I searched for available plans for Ratigan as a single male, age 41, in Dana Point, California 92629 (information about Ratigan I found after 3 minutes of Googling). Now, it's very possible that Ratigan's insurance company is pushing an expensive plan on him and counting on the fact that he won't check it out himself (like I did on his behalf, in about 5 minutes). This scam has been well covered by Kossack Vyan and others, so let me continue with Ratigan.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/08/1254200/-Ratigan-Tweets-displeasure-at-ACA-premium-increase-doesn-t-appear-to-know-what-he-is-talking-aboutPeople who take their insurance company's quote and fail to shop the exchange for a better plan likely have no idea they're being screwed or misled.
If Ratigan shopped the exchange, he could also find castastrophic coverage (that meets the ACA standards) at a lower cost than the bronze plan.
A catastrophic plan generally requires you to pay all of your medical costs up to a certain amount, usually several thousand dollars. Costs for essential health benefits over that are generally paid by the insurance company.
These policies usually have lower premiums than a comprehensive plan,
but cover you only if you need a lot of care. They basically protect you from worst-case scenarios.
Marketplace catastrophic plans cover prevention
In the Marketplace, catastrophic policies cover 3 primary care visits per year at no cost. They also cover free preventive benefits.
If you buy a catastrophic plan in the Marketplace, you can’t get lower costs on your monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs based on your income. Regardless of your income, you pay the standard price for the catastrophic plan.
- more -
https://www.healthcare.gov/can-i-buy-a-catastrophic-plan/In fact, he was directed to the exchanges by people on Twitter, and he found a plan to his liking.
Dylan RatiganVerified account@DylanRatigan
“@RockDots: Was $600/mo from same ins co that canceled your policy? Did you shop the exchange?” It was. I am now. Looks like $300-$400.
https://twitter.com/DylanRatigan/status/398940933363740672
That's the cost of a platinum plan on Covered California exchange. So he opted for the best plan instead of going with a castastrophic plan that meets the ACA standards that would have only cost $20 more than he was paying.
http://www.dailykos.com/comments/1254200/51838939#c16
This is what the insurance companies fear (people shopping for a better plan on the exchange), and this is why the insurance industry is pissed about the President's proposal.
300,000 Floridians' health policy cancellations undone
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024042968
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