Has the Affordable Care Act benefited you and your family?  For some people, the insurance premiums are still too expensive and the gap between Medicare and the cost of health insurance, even with subsidies is still too big.  If you are one of those who is still struggling to find affordable health insurance, especially now that it’s required, there is good news.

heart healthA recent report published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that the Health Insurance Marketplace will have 25% more insurance issuers in 2015. The report demonstrates that the Marketplace is working to increase competition and lower costs for consumers.

As with most products and services that we buy there is a correlation between greater competition and lower costs.    According to HHS, “an increase of one issuer in a rating area is associated with a 4 percent decline in the second-lowest cost silver plan premium, on average.  In 2014, consumers in regions with larger numbers of issuers were able to access a wider range of choices.”

If you are still shopping for a health insurance plan, you will have more options and a wider range of plans than you had before.  And it’s important to remember that if you are young and healthy, a high deductible healthcare plan can save you money in the short term.  Many young Americans are opting for these.  This will force many of us to be smarter consumers and to find some of our health services at more competitive prices.  One example is a quick and convenient lab test that used to require a doctor’s order.  This can now be purchased  at independent direct testing centers without the expense and time of waiting in a doctor’s office.

Americans are still wading through the changes implemented by the Affordable Care Act and we still have a lot of learning to do as the healthcare system continues to grow and shift.  It is important that to take control of your own health and steer your own medical ship for the highest quality care that is right for each of you.

Written by www.labtestingnow.com