Rhode Island posts Exchange rates

[Htown Harry]

Rhode Island, population just over 1 million, released their exchange rates last week.
RI health marketplace releases plan rates, details - News Local Rhode Island - Boston.com

Quote:

The rates released Tuesday show the monthly premium for a 25-year-old ranges from $167 for a so-called bronze Blue Cross plan to $283 for a gold plan. For a 45-year-old, the monthly premium ranges from $240 for a bronze plan to $408 for a gold plan.

I believe the level of detail in their charts is as comprehensive as any state has published so far. See "Individual Plans by Age" and "Individual Plans All Info"

Documents of Interest | HealthSource RI

[Mulligan]

Looks like Rhode Island is one of the few states releasing data that has some HSA options in the exchange. I have done some reading suggesting that states that do not offer HSA's in the exchange, may have them available to the consumers off exchange though.

[Midpack]

I probably missed it in earlier states plan/threads (because I am in a federal exchange state, so that's what I am most interested in), but if I am reading it correctly this is more informative to me than those I've seen earlier - a table by age by plan. Notably more expensive at my age, but still less than I would have guessed

http://www.healthsourceri.com/wp-con...L-08202013.pdf

[Htown Harry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulligan Looks like Rhode Island is one of the few states releasing data that has some HSA options in the exchange.

Another interesting detail is the concept of "tiered" networks seen in the lowest-cost BCBS offerings by metal group. (see the All Info" table.)

Quote:

Copayments: A type of cost-sharing that requires you to pay a fixed dollar amount for certain types of health care services each time you use them. In some plans payments reflect a tiered value system for their providers (such as doctors and hospitals).

This gives further confirmation that shopping for premium / deductible / co-pay price is only one aspect of the policy choice. What type of doctors and hospitals are avaiable in network will also require consideration.

[MichaelB]

Harry, thanks for the link and pointing out some of the details. That tiered SelectRI is interesting. https://www.bcbsri.com/shop-for-plan...oyers/selectri

This is the first I think we've seen of national network coverage. I was expecting much higher rates for that, so this is good news. It would be nice if they do that elsewhere.

Quote:

SelectRI is an innovative network option that offers you and your employees more for your healthcare dollars, with lower costs, enhanced primary care, and better value. This is possible through our network of efficient providers that make great care available at the lowest cost. It offers the flexibility to choose any provider in our national network, but when employees choose SelectRI providers, they’ll have access to: Advanced primary care at 18 locations throughout Rhode Island (with more primary care practices to be added to the network in the near future) Fully coordinated hospital care at 20 area hospitals, many of which have partnerships with SelectRI primary care offices to provide informed, coordinated patient care All specialists, and most free-standing facilities (including lab and imaging services, physical therapy, and others) in BCBSRI’s local network SelectRI offers your employees extensive, efficient primary care. That means they can get the care they need faster and easier, with these guaranteed services: Expanded hours and weekend appointments Guaranteed initial visit within three business days Targeted interventions for a wide spectrum of healthcare needs Use of electronic health records to ensure safety and provide proactive care Online access to health information and test results

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Htown Harry This gives further confirmation that shopping for premium / deductible / co-pay price is only one aspect of the policy choice. What type of doctors and hospitals are avaiable in network will also require consideration.

Very much so. Network, and also how the cost sharing is broken down between copays, do-insurance and deductibles. The insurers are free to structure it any way they want as long as, at the group level, the actuarial value is on target. I suspect not many are that familiar with their current policies.

[Mulligan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Htown Harry Another interesting detail is the concept of "tiered" networks seen in the lowest-cost BCBS offerings by metal group. (see the All Info" table.) This gives further confirmation that shopping for premium / deductible / co-pay price is only one aspect of the policy choice. What type of doctors and hospitals are avaiable in network will also require consideration.

I noticed what seemed like a comprehensive offering from BCBS in that state exchange. So I couldn't help but google if they were going to continue grandfathered plans. And of course they are not. That might disappoint a few people thinking they could keep the insurance they have. But I imagine this process will play out over most states the same way, too.

https://www.bcbsri.com/BCBSRIWeb/pdf...Highlights.pdf