I am sorry Steph. I am worried I will be facing the same fate. I am thinking that very few plans will be willing to cover IVIG in the coming years.

so sorry!!!! I used to think maybe obama care would be a good thing with those, like me, with a chronic illness.. I pay SO much each month for my plan, and then have a 10k out of pocket maximum (which I hit the very first month- due to IVIG)... but then i'm covered the rest of the year.. so, its not cheap.. but at least i can get IVIG.. I too am worried, that insurance plans will start going broke, and therefore cracking down on their "expensive"" patients, like IVIG patients and try to deny IVIG... i'm terrified of this, as I don't think I can live without it.. terrifying.. I feel like Obama care will hurt me as a patient, and a tax payer.. all around.. hopefully i'm wrong!

That is exactly my concern...I read more and the plan details are not even all there (yet we are already supposed to choose?) and for those that do have plan details posted they ALL say experimental and investigational not covered and no details on how that is determined or even how decision might be appealed. Another thing appears that now all sorts of exclusions that were NOT things that were exclusions on my plan...home health care - meaning IF I get IVIG approved I will have to go to center for 10 hours for 2 days every three weeks, oh joy! :-)

..as patient who needs IVIG to function even 10-20 hours per week I too am terrified by this development. So the way I see it initially at least it does appear as if a loophole has been created for the insurance companies to get out of paying for these very expensive treatments we receive. I will continue researching though and share my findings as I learn more. Anyone else find out anything please do likewise.

I admit I havent read everything but I spent several hours reading (and Im a lawyer how is average person really expected to understand) and getting more concerned about the future quality of life under this new law.

PS re the plan levels...I only have first three offered...no platinum plans available for me.

*post removed*

Just a reminder that we have guidelines that limit political posting.

Discussing the AFCA in general is fine...becoming political in a partisan way is not.

We would like to allow this thread to stay open as this is an important topic of relevance to most here....but it will be closed if posting becomes directly political.

StephC;

I am curios who sent the letter you must purchase a new
plan through the Exchange? Your now insurance company?

It was my understanding that you would be able to keep your present insurance company if you wish. Not true? Just wondering.

scrubbs

Scrubbs,

I've heard about it happening to two other people as well. Just because you choose to keep your current policy does not mean that current policy will be available any more. It's a scary time for those of us with health issues.

Because I am self insured, I have only been able to get coverage from my state's high risk pool since my mg dx a few years ago.

Two weeks ago, the High Risk Pool notified me the State is ending all coverage effective 12/31/2013 at midnight since the Affordable Care Act will take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

So most, but not all folks, may be able to keep their insurance...my circumstance takes me out of the 'most' group!

There are 14 states that refused to set up state exchanges...so folks in those states have to go on the federally administered plan. Many of those same 14 states also refused federal funds to expand Medicare in their states -- so that will leave many folks that fall below the minimum income level for a federal subsidy uninsured.

the letter was sent by current insurance company and states
"The ACA will affect you health insurance plan. Your current policy will end on 3/31/2014. Therefore you will need to buy a new plan..."

It does state I can purchase an ACA plan from any insurer in the market, or on your state's Health Insurance Exchange.

my issue is not where I have to buy a plan but rather that the ACA is taking my plan from me! A plan I purchased in 1999 and for which I have always timely paid $1200 per month premiums for many years now which provided coverage at least covering the essential stuff then some...no annual deductible. A plan the coverage of which no longer is option for me at all.

PS the letter does say "We're here to help...call member services" which quite frankly is quite a joke as member services are the most incompetent, dismissive, condescending and unhelpful representatives I have ever dealt with!

Hopeless,
Are you saying there are no plans on the exchange that will cover more than 60% of your medical expenses? I believe you but why is that? If you are paying the full cost of your insurance and everything has been OK for years then what caused the situation to change? I thought you should be able to go on the exchange and buy a similar plan. You said the cheapest exchange plan will only cover 60%, what about the most expensive plan on the exchange? Aren't you able to buy a good plan through the exchange? Supposedly the exchanges are administered by the feds but the plans are whatever the insurance companies choose to offer. Your insurance company has been offered your plan for 40 years. Why aren't they offering the same plan on the exchange?

StephC,
I guess I have the same question. Are you able to get a similar plan on the exchange for a similar monthly cost? The exchanges are supposed to be a place where your insurance company offers various plans. The government doesn't offer plans, your insurance company does. Why wouldn't you be able to get a good plan at a cost similar to what you are paying now? Why wouldn't you be able to get the same plan you have now through the exchange?

The exchanges are supposed to just be a place where individuals can go as individuals and be treated as if they were part of a group. They would be offered the same plans as a group and pay the same cost as group member. It doesn't make sense that someone who is willing to pay the full cost of a comprehensive plan wouldn't be able to find a good plan on the exchange. Could it be that your current insurance company sells your current plan if you buy it through the exchange? Maybe you have to switch companies but there is a similar plan through the exchange?

I hope everyone finds a plan that works for their needs. It doesn't bode well for anyone if the insurance companies start denying coverage for things they've covered in the past.