BCBS Catastrophic Plan Explained in Detail

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A BCBS catastrophic plan is a type of health insurance plan that provides minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

These plans have a very low premium, but they also have high out-of-pocket costs and limited benefits. The deductible for a catastrophic plan can be as high as $7,900 for individuals.

You can only enroll in a catastrophic plan if you're under 30 years old, or if you qualify for a hardship exemption. This means that these plans aren't suitable for everyone.

Understanding BCBS Catastrophic Plan

Blue Cross Blue Shield's Catastrophic Plan is a low-cost option for those who want to save money on health insurance.

This plan is designed to help you save with substantial savings on preventive care, which is covered at no charge.

One of the benefits of this plan is that you're exempt from some of the rules of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

You won't be eligible for subsidies with this plan, so you'll need to pay the full premium.

These plans are a good option for young people or those on a tight budget who only need coverage for major medical expenses.

Plan Details

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Catastrophic plans have high deductibles that you must meet before BCBSNC pays for Essential Health Benefits.

These plans provide minimum coverage at a lower price, making them a good option if you don't expect to have many medical expenses.

Preventive care is covered at 100%, and primary care in-network office visits are covered with a $35 copayment for the first 3 visits.

The Essential Health Benefits that are covered include Ambulatory service, Emergency service, Hospitalization, Maternity and newborn care, Mental health and substance abuse services, Prescription drugs, Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, Laboratory services, Preventive/wellness services and chronic disease management, and Pediatric services, including dental and vision.

Plans in 2014

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers several new plan options for 2014, designed to help you save money.

One of these options is the BCBSNC Catastrophic Plan, which offers substantial savings with preventive care covered at no charge.

This plan also exempts you from some of the rules of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Subsidies cannot be applied to this plan, so it's essential to review the costs and benefits before making a decision.

The BCBSNC Catastrophic Plan is a low-cost option that's worth considering if you're looking for a more affordable health insurance plan.

Consider reading: Bcbs Blue Options Ppo

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

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The out-of-pocket maximum is the maximum amount you'll pay for covered services during a plan year. This limit varies by plan, but once you meet it, your plan pays 100% of covered health care costs for the rest of the year.

Catastrophic plans, for example, are designed for people who don't expect to have many medical expenses. They have high deductibles, but if you qualify, you can save as much as 22% over the least expensive bronze plan.

The essential health benefits covered by catastrophic plans include ambulatory services, emergency services, and prescription drugs, among others. These plans are not required to meet the metallic levels of other plans, but BCBSNC's catastrophic plans do meet bronze level requirements.

The out-of-pocket maximum is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a plan, as it can greatly impact your financial situation. If you're considering a catastrophic plan, be sure to factor in the high deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

For your interest: Bcbs Bronze

Premiums and Costs

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With a BCBS catastrophic plan, you can expect lower monthly premiums compared to similar traditional health plans with a lower deductible.

These plans are designed for people who don't expect to have many high medical expenses, which can help you save money throughout the year.

In fact, if you can afford to self-insure up to the deductible amount, an HDHP (which is similar to a BCBS catastrophic plan) can be a cost-effective option.

Premiums

Monthly premiums can vary depending on the health plan you choose. The monthly payment for your health plan coverage is $386.49.

HDHPs, or High Deductible Health Plans, usually come with lower monthly premiums than similar traditional health plans with a lower deductible. This can help you save money throughout the year if you don't expect to have many high medical expenses.

If you choose a catastrophic plan, your monthly premiums will be lower, but you'll have a high deductible that you must meet before your insurance kicks in. Catastrophic plans are a good option if you don't expect to have many medical expenses.

Credit: youtube.com, How insurance premiums and deductibles work

Catastrophic plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC can save you as much as 22% compared to their least expensive bronze plan. However, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a catastrophic plan, such as being under 30 years old when the plan year begins.

Here are the essential health benefits that catastrophic plans cover:

  • Ambulatory services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health and substance abuse services (including behavioral health)
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventive/wellness services and chronic disease management
  • Pediatric services, including dental and vision

Keep in mind that catastrophic plans have high deductibles and may not be the best option if you expect to have many medical expenses.

Deductible Amount

The deductible amount is a crucial aspect of your health insurance plan. It's the dollar amount you pay for services and/or medications before your plan begins to pay a larger portion of your costs, which can be as high as $9,200.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) can help alleviate some of the financial burden by providing funding for out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles.

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC offers Catastrophic Plans, which provide minimum coverage at a lower price.

Credit: youtube.com, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC could get out of ACA marketplace

These plans are high deductible plans that cover Essential Health Benefits after the deductible is met.

Preventive care is covered at 100%, and primary care in-network office visits are covered with a $35 copayment for the first 3 visits.

You can save as much as 22% over the least expensive bronze plan with these plans.

Catastrophic plans have high deductibles that you must meet before BCBSNC pays for Essential Health Benefits.

They may be a good option if you do not expect to have many medical expenses.

To qualify for these plans, you must meet one of the following criteria: you must be under 30 years of age when the plan year begins or qualify for a hardship exemption through the federal government.

Catastrophic plans do not require you to use an advance premium tax credit, or federal subsidy.

If you do not qualify for or decide to forego a subsidy, you may save money with these plans.

The Essential Health Benefits that are covered include Ambulatory service, Emergency service, Hospitalization, Maternity and newborn care, Mental health and substance abuse services, Prescription drugs, Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, Laboratory services, Preventive/wellness services and chronic disease management, and Pediatric services, including dental and vision.

Recommended read: Bcbs Essential Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of getting catastrophic health insurance?

Catastrophic health insurance has limitations, including not covering routine doctor visits until you meet your deductible and not qualifying for subsidies or tax breaks

Forrest Schumm

Copy Editor

Forrest Schumm is a seasoned copy editor with a deep understanding of the financial sector, particularly in India. His expertise spans a variety of topics, including trade associations, banking institutions, and historical establishments. Forrest's work has shed light on the intricate landscape of Indian banking, from the Indian Banks' Association to the significant 1946 establishments that have shaped the industry.

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